accouterment

[ uh-koo-ter-muhnt, -truh- ]

noun

1. a clothing accessory or an accessory piece of equipment: You will need sleeping bags and other accouterments for camping.

   These nautical cufflinks are the perfect accouterment to any boating enthusiast's dress shirt.

   You will need sleeping bags and other accouterments for camping.

2. a piece of equipment carried by a soldier, excluding weapons and clothing.
3. a characteristic feature, object, or sign associated with a particular role, situation, etc: Its members all have children, husbands, and the other accouterments of middle-class, American suburban living.

   I take the snob to be someone with an exaggerated respect for wealth and all the other accouterments of status.

   Its members all have children, husbands, and the other accouterments of middle-class, American suburban living.

Word History and Origins

Origin of accouterment¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French accou(s)trement; accouter, -ment

Example Sentences

In his earlier incarnations on the page and screen, the Penguin was a demented society swell whose signature accouterments were a top hat, a monocle and a trick umbrella.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, as a “Queer Eye”-inspired skit from the animated spoof series “Robot Chicken” puts it, he’s “a closeted recluse with a penchant for steampunk accouterments.”

From Los Angeles Times

Interactive tables will allow you to explore the actors of Warner Bros. past and present, while special effects stations can add or subtract digital accouterments with the movement of a knob.

From Los Angeles Times

Its glass and wooden cabinets and display cases are stocked with cannabis products and accouterments, both heavy on the local offerings.

From Los Angeles Times

And we love, or love to hate, the accouterments of motherhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accessory
• accoutrement
• trappings