epaulette

Alternative forms

• epaulet

Etymology

From French épaulette, from épaule (“shoulder”) +‎ -ette (diminutive).

Noun

epaulette (plural epaulettes)

1. An ornamentation, worn on the shoulders of a military uniform, as a sign of rank

   Synonyms: shoulder board, shoulder mark, shoulder strap

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