Insignia

For the electronics brand-name of the same name, see Best Buy

Insignia (the plural of Latin insigne: emblem, symbol) is a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an official 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
• Roundels
• Badges
• Cockades

• Other National Emblems
• Shoulder patch, or shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI)
• Military rank and unit markings

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.