noun
epaulet
EP-uh-let/ˈɛpəˌlɛt/
An ornamental shoulder piece on a uniform or garment.
A gold epaulet decorates each shoulder of the officer's uniform.
Etymology
The French formation literally means 'little shoulder.' It names the small ornament worn on the shoulder of a uniform, linking the decoration directly to its position.
More examples
- The tailor sews a loose epaulet back onto the jacket.
- Her vintage coat has decorative epaulets on both shoulders.
- Silver fringe hangs from each epaulet on the dress uniform.
Forms
epaulet · epaulets
Similar words
- shoulder board
- Usually a flat, stiff insignia rather than a fringed ornament.
- shoulder strap
- A band across the shoulder, often functional rather than decorative.