Epaulette

Alternative forms

• epaulet

Origin

French épaulette, from épaule("shoulder") + -ette("diminutive").

Full definition of epaulette

Noun

1. An ornamentation, worn on the shoulders of a military uniform, as a sign of rank
2. A similar piece of trimming on a lady’s dress
3. A plate on the anterior wings of some hymenopteral insects
4. The red patch on the shoulders of a red-winged blackbird

Synonyms

• (military ornamentation worn on the shoulder) shoulder strap, shoulder board, shoulder mark