ensign staff

noun

1. a staff at the stern of a vessel at which the ensign is flown.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensign staff¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Almost the last to be seen of her was the mercantile flag of Japan, still floating proudly from the ensign staff.

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Then from the ensign staff fluttered the Black Cross of the Imperial German Navy.

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After many conjectures respecting the cause, when we were near another ship, almost as dull as ours, which, however, gained upon us, the captain ordered all hands to come aft, and stand as near the ensign staff as possible.

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Dobbs mortally wounded and about 20 of Her Men disabled and the Ships Rigging Sails &c. very much damaged they were oblig'd to give her up by the wave of the Hat; & a call for Quarters for having the Second Time cut away their Ensign staff they had no Colours to Strike.

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Her stern was high out of water, the red ensign of England flapping impotently on the ensign staff.

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