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

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.

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Style: Rail-thin in sunglasses, black suit and unruly pompadour; Dylan accouterments include acoustic guitar, harmonica and ever-present cigarette.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the most crucial sequences involves the makeover that Glinda tries to give Elphaba as she sings “Popular” in their Shiz University dorm room, which she has spruced up with pink accouterments.

From New York Times

Related Words

• accessory 
• accoutrement 
• trappings