epaulet

[ep-uh-let, -lit, ep-uh-let] /ˈɛp əˌlɛt, -lɪt, ˌɛp əˈlɛt/

noun

an ornamental shoulder piece worn on uniforms, chiefly by military officers.

Also, epaulette.

Origin

1775-85; < French épaulette, equivalent to épaule shoulder (< Latin spatula blade; see spatula) + -ette -ette

Examples from the web for epaulet

The special epaulet on the uniform will consist of white stars on a navy blue background.
General officers wear one inch stars centered on the epaulet.
As the work continued, during the excavation of an epaulet, bricks were found.
Sound is directed toward the ears from epaulet speakers.

British Dictionary definitions for epaulet

epaulette

/ˈɛpəˌlɛt; -lɪt/

noun

a piece of ornamental material on the shoulder of a garment, esp a military uniform

Word Origin

C18: from French épaulette, from épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see spatula

Word Origin and History for epaulet

1783, from French épaulette (16c.), diminutive of épaule "shoulder," from Old French espaule (12c.), from Latin spatula "flat piece of wood, splint," later "shoulder blade," diminutive of spatha "broad wooden instrument, broad sword," from Greek spathe "a broad flat sword" (see spade (n.1)).