epaulet

[ ep-uh-let, -lit, ep-uh-let ]

/ ˈɛp əˌlɛt, -lɪt, ˌɛp əˈlɛt /

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noun

an ornamental shoulder piece worn on uniforms, chiefly by military officers.

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Origin of epaulet

1775–85; <French épaulette, equivalent to épaule shoulder (<Latin spatula blade; see spatula) + -ette-ette

M. de Faverges had fallen back on the National Guard, without obtaining the epaulet of commander.
Bouvard and Pcuchet|Gustave Flaubert
Like the Zouaves, this last-named corps is a favourite with adventurous volunteers, ambitious of distinction and the epaulet.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 68, No 420, October 1850|Various
We also find a tight sleeve gathered in a circular puff at the shoulder or set in a rolled epaulet.
Dress design|Talbot Hughes
On each side of his neck he has a bare orange-coloured spot, and near it a downy epaulet.
The Western World|W.H.G. Kingston

He only had a blue and red epaulet on his white drill tunic, there was no red cross on his arm.
Sketches of the East Africa Campaign|Robert Valentine Dolbey