epaulette

/ ˈɛpəˌlɛt, -lɪt /

noun

1. a piece of ornamental material on the shoulder of a garment, esp a military uniform

Word History and Origins

Origin of epaulette¹

C18: from French épaulette, from épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see _spatula

Example Sentences

The man was wearing the epaulettes and sleeve lace of a rear admiral, one of the highest ranks in the Royal Navy.

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The “suns” refer to the insignia—the equivalent of a U.S. general’s stars—worn on the epaulettes of Venezuelan officers’ uniforms.

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All are alleged to be members of what U.S. authorities have dubbed the “Cartel of the Suns,” a reference to the epaulettes affixed to the uniforms of high-ranking military officers.

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The brand’s trench coat, invented around the time of World War I, boasts functional designs like storm shields as well as epaulettes and gun flaps.

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And how many men could get away with a combo of kilt, sporran and sparkly epaulettes?

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