shoulder knot

noun

1. a knot of ribbon or lace worn on the shoulder, as by men of fashion in the 17th and 18th centuries, by servants in livery, or by women or children.
2. one of a pair of detachable ceremonial ornaments consisting of braided cord, worn on the shoulders by a commissioned officer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoulder knot¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

There was the big footman—shoulder-knot, red breeches, and all.

From Project Gutenberg

The lieutenant holds the staff and hat, shoulder-knot and badge, and neckerchief of the Tenderfoot.

From Project Gutenberg

The coastguard had emptied both his pistols, and one of the bullets cut through the officer's shoulder-knot.

From Project Gutenberg

Her two slender flutes hung dangling from her flowered shoulder-knot along her back.

From Project Gutenberg

And what was that devil's device flashing on button and shoulder-knot?

From Project Gutenberg