epaulette

/ ˈɛpəˌlɛt; -lɪt /

noun

1. a piece of ornamental material on the shoulder of a garment, esp a military uniform

Word History and Origins

Origin of epaulette¹

C18: from French épaulette, from épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see spatula

Example Sentences

He wore an epaulette nearly down to his elbow, and his sword hilt was embroidered with golden oak leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

They were made without sleeves, like a waistcoat, and an epaulette overhung the armhole.

From Project Gutenberg

An officer with one epaulette came first, showing the way to two civilians, and a captain followed.

From Project Gutenberg

We saw the burnished cannon and the bright epaulette, the gleaming button and the glancing bayonet.

From Project Gutenberg

Each flower was centered with a bit of gold from a raveled Confederate epaulette.

From Project Gutenberg