ensign staff

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of ensign staff

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

“Now,” cried George, turning to a man who had for some time been standing by the ensign staff, “you may hoist away and let the Dons see with whom they are about to fight.”

From The Cruise of the Nonsuch Buccaneer by Williamson, John

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

From Rounding up the Raider A Naval Story of the Great War by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

At sunrise, Mayne hoisted the house-flag, and the Stars and Stripes drooped languidly half way up the ensign staff, until the glassy calm broke and the sea breeze straightened the blue and silver folds.

From The Buccaneer Farmer Published in England under the Title "Askew's Victory" by Bindloss, Harold

If it was necessary for the men to pass to any other part of the ship, such as to the ensign staff, for instance, they had to climb over the sacks.

From The Cruise of the Thetis A Tale of the Cuban Insurrection by Cuneo, Cyrus

The second craft was still hull-down; but her masts, funnels, tops of her ventilators, and the head of her ensign staff were all visible; and Mildmay noticed that she was showing no colours.

From With Airship and Submarine A Tale of Adventure by Hodgson, Edward S.