red ensign
The 'red ensign' is a distinctive flag used primarily by British merchant ships and other vessels, signifying their nationality.
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Definition
B2Maritime
(technical, formal)A red flag with the Union Jack in the upper left corner, used by British merchant ships and certain Commonwealth vessels to indicate their nationality.
Example
- The ship hoisted the red ensign as it entered international waters.
- British merchant ships are easily recognizable by the red ensign.
C1Historical
(historical, Canada)A version of the flag that included the Canadian coat of arms, formerly used as a semi-official national flag of Canada.
Example
- The red ensign with the Canadian coat of arms was flown until the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag in 1965.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "red ensign":