Showing Results for "epaulette"

See Also:

• a variation of epaulet.

epaulette

British  

/ ˈɛpəˌlɛt, -lɪt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of epaulette

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

Explanation

An epaulette is a shoulder piece that's part of many military uniforms. It's a type of colorful decoration that sometimes signifies rank. If you look at a military uniform, there are many things you might see, such as stripes and medals. Another is epaulettes, which are ornamentations found on the shoulders. Epaulettes are usually colorful, and they often convey a higher rank. You probably wouldn't find epaulettes on a foot soldier, but you probably would on a general. Epaulettes will vary in size and color depending on the rank and branch of the military. Epaulette comes from a French word for shoulder.