Insignia - Definition and Overview

Insignia (from latin insigne: emblem, symbol) is a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an offical body of government or jurisdiction. Insignia are especially used as an emblem of a specific or general authority.

Typical examples of insignia are:

• Crowns
• Flags of a country or state
• Coats-of-arms and Heraldry
• Seals
• Ensigns
• Other National Emblems
• Military rank and unit markings:
  • British Army officer rank insignia
  • British Army enlisted rank insignia
  • U.S. Army officer rank insignia
  • U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia
  • U.S. Navy officer rank insignia
  • U.S. Navy enlisted rate insignia

Official insignia are often protected by law as to allow their use only by people holding a specific office or staff members action on behalf of such a person. Misuse, defacement and destruction of such symbols is considered an offense in many countries.