accouterment

especially British, ac·cou·tre·ment

[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

“We’re on the same page that we will abide by the TRO, the temporary restraining order here, and all the accouterments,” he said.

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But the extra accouterment hasn’t held him back.

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For many evangelical leaders, having an expensive home, clothes, a car and other accouterments are a necessity — even if their own members are struggling financially.

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But all hell breaks loose when Elinor and her crew discover a chest of bondage toys and dominatrix accouterments during a particularly challenging moment in their journey.

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“We had long discussions about what this year’s costumes were going to be and the accouterments,” Curtis said.

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Related Words

• accessory 
• accoutrement 
• trappings