Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Distinguishing \Dis*tin"guish*ing\, a.
   Constituting difference, or distinction from everything else;
   distinctive; peculiar; characteristic.

         The distinguishing doctrines of our holy religion.
                                                  --Locke.

   {Distinguishing pennant} (Naut.), a special pennant by which
      any particular vessel in a fleet is recognized and
      signaled. --Simmonds.