Hypertext Webster Gateway: "epaulet"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Epaulet \Ep"au*let`\, Epaulette \Ep"au*lette`\, n. [F.
['e]paulette, dim. of ['e]paule 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}.] (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.
Note: In the United States service the epaulet is reserved
for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the
British army in 1855.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
epaulet
n : adornment consisting of an ornamental cloth pad worn on the
shoulder [syn: {epaulette}]
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