accouterment

[ uh-koo-ter-muhnt, -truh- ]

nounUsually accouterments .

a clothing accessory or an accessory piece of equipment: These nautical cufflinks are the perfect accouterment to any boating enthusiast's dress shirt.You will need sleeping bags and other accouterments for camping.
a piece of equipment carried by a soldier, excluding weapons and clothing.

a characteristic feature, object, or sign associated with a particular role, situation, etc: 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.

Origin of accouterment

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

The sunlight glistened on the ebony hides of the warriors and on their polished accouterments and weapons.
The Revolt of the Star Men | Raymond Gallun
Each bore his rifle, and all the other accouterments of war, though the paint was uniformly peaceful.
The Last of the Mohicans | James Fenimore Cooper
The smith, dressed in the elaborate accouterments of the mysterious French prince, now lay face upwards on the sand.
The Nest of the Sparrowhawk | Baroness Orczy
Rifles were stacked, and heavy accouterments deposited on the grass.
Europe from a Motor Car | Russell Richardson
The three riders felt of their accouterments, said "So long," and cantered off for the pack horse and extra ammunition.
Hopalong Cassidy's Rustler Round-Up | Clarence Edward Mulford

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