mourning band

American  

noun

1. a piece of black cloth that is worn, especially as a band encircling the upper arm, to indicate mourning.

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mourning band British  

noun

1. a piece of black material, esp an armband, worn to indicate that the wearer is in mourning

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Etymology

Origin of mourning band

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mourning band

Pershing, wearing a dark mourning band on one sleeve, and Harding, wearing a top hat, walked side by side behind the caisson.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 10, 2021

“So from a sort of visual point, he’s . . . making a comment by keeping this mourning band on,” he said.

From Washington Post

Mr. Truman had figuratively laid aside his mourning band for Roosevelt and had begun to enjoy the job of being President.

From Time Magazine Archive

The wide mourning band around the crown, which Lincoln added to honor his son, Willie, was still there, a symbol of solidarity with others who had lost sons.

From Washington Post

He put away the work basket and fitted the coat with the mourning band very carefully on his shoulders.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers