accouterment

American  

[uh-koo-ter-muhnt, -truh-] / əˈku tər mənt, -trə- /

especially British, accoutrement

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.

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Etymology

Origin of accouterment

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French accou(s)trement; accouter, -ment

Example Sentences

But I was in no hurry to shed this latest accouterment of age.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yes: There are always buyers willing to pay a premium for a skybox or courtside seat, and stadiums are loading up on VIP accouterments to woo big wallets.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

But the extra accouterment hasn’t held him back.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accessory
• accoutrement
• trappings