Definitions for "Civil ensign"
or merchant ensign: an ensign for non-naval, non-government vessels.
The NATIONAL FLAG flown at the stern of private or commercial vessels; also called the merchant flag.
The flag flown by a civilian vessel from its ensign mast (the mast at the stern of the vessel) or from its rear-most-mast. This flag is also known as a merchant ensign as it is the flag used by merchant vessels.