Search the Dictionary

The quality of being national, or strongly attached to one's own nation; patriotism.

To show or disclose the class, character, or nationality of. [Obs.] This speech calls him Spaniard. Beau. & Fl.

of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom, always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate portions; as, the Austrian empire. Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and complicated government. C. J. Smith.

A flag; a banner; a standard; esp., the national flag, or a banner indicating nationality, carried by a ship or a body of soldiers; -- as distinguished from flags indicating divisions of the army, rank of naval officers, or private signals, and the like. Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still. Shak.…

A cloth usually bearing a device or devices and used to indicate nationality, party, etc., or to give or ask information; -- commonly attached to a staff to be waved by the wind; a standard; a banner; an ensign; the colors; as, the national flag; a military or a naval flag.

The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.

The quality or state of being national; nationality. Johnson.

A document carried by neutral merchant vessels in time of war, to certify their nationality and protect them from belligerents; a sea letter.

p, and other material facts. It is kept on board the vessel, to be used as an evidence of nationality or as a muniment of title.

A document carried by neutral merchant vessels in time of war, to show their nationality; a sea letter or passport. See Passport.