in|sig|ni|a

in|sig|ni|a «ihn SIHG nee uh», noun, plural of in|sig|ne, also plural -as (when insignia is considered singular).

1. the medals, emblems, badges, or other distinguishing marks of a position, some honor, or a military order: »

The crown and scepter are the insignia of kings. White stripes on the cuff are the seamen's insignia of rating (Thomas E. Griess).

2. Figurative. the marks or signs of anything: »

Rags…are the Beggar's robes, and graceful insignia of his profession (Charles Lamb).

╂[< Latin īnsignia, neuter plural of īnsigne badge, mark < in- on + signum mark. See etym. of doublet ensign. (Cf. ↑ensign)]

Usage Insignia, although plural in form, is often used as a singular, with insignias as its plural: »

His insignia is a cross. The PX sold all sorts of insignias.

Several outstanding authors of the 1800's have used insignia as a singular, but this has been regarded as erroneous by some writers and speakers who still tend to avoid such usage.