shoulder knot

American  

noun

1. a knot of ribbon or lace worn on the shoulder, as by men of fashion in the 17th and 18th centuries, by servants in livery, or by women or children.

2. one of a pair of detachable ceremonial ornaments consisting of braided cord, worn on the shoulders by a commissioned officer.

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Etymology

Origin of shoulder knot

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

He was now in an adjutant's uniform with one epaulet and a shoulder knot.

From War and Peace by Tolstoy, Leo, graf

He is jogging along fast, his "shoulder knot a-creaking," and the water that splashes on to the hot dust intensifies the feeling of heat and light.

From From Edinburgh to India & Burmah by Burn Murdoch, W. G. (William Gordon)

His hose, his stockings and the lining of his cloak were blue and of the color of his shoulder knot.

From The Blacksmith's Hammer, or The Peasant Code A Tale of the Grand Monarch by Sue, Eug?ne

Alone and unprotected he was at the mercy of everybody, and he found to his great surprise that his shoulder knot and his gold lace commanded no respect.

From Emile by Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

He thought if the modish beauties in yonder rooms could boast of such perfect charm, 'twould not be hid by a fall of lace and a shoulder knot of violets.

From Mistress Penwick by Payne, Dutton