epaulet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun adornment consisting of an ornamental cloth pad worn on the shoulder
    epaulette.

WordNet

Ep"au*let`, Ep"au*lette` noun (Also<
  • Epaulet
  • Epaulette
)
Etymology
F. épaulette, dim. of épaule shoulder, fr. L. spatula a broad piece (LL., shoulder), dim. of spatha abroad, flat instrument, fr. Gr. , also, a broad rib, shoulder blade. See Spade the instrument, and cf. Epaule, Spatula.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) A shoulder ornament or badge worn by military and naval officers, differences of rank being marked by some peculiar form or device, as a star, eagle, etc.; a shoulder knot. ✍ In the United States service the epaulet is reserved for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the British army in 1855.

Webster 1913