Dict: smith - ENSIGN

smith:

ENSIGN - E>@ - (nes ; in the Authorized Version generally "ensign," sometimes "standard;" degel , "standard," with the exception of (Solomon kjv@2:4) "banner;" oth , "ensign"). This distinction between these three Hebrew terms is sufficiently marked by their respective uses. Nes is a signal , and not a military standard. It is an occasional signal, which was exhibited on the top of a pole from a bare mountain-top, kjv@Isaiah:13:2 kjv@Isaiah:18:3) degel a military standard for a large division of an army; and oth the same for a small one. Neither of them, however, expresses the idea which "standard" conveys to our minds, viz. a flag. The standards in use among the Hebrews probably resembled those of the Egyptians and Assyrians
a figure or device of some kind elevated on a pole; usually a sacred emblem, such as an animal, a boat, or the king’s name.