Main Entry: ep·au·let

Variant(s): also ep·au·lette \ˌe-pə-ˈlet; ˈe-pə-ˌlet, -lət\

Function: noun

Etymology: French épaulette, diminutive of épaule shoulder, from Old French espalle, from Late Latin spatula shoulder blade, spoon, diminutive of Latin spatha spoon, sword — more at spade

Date: 1778

: something that ornaments or protects the shoulder: as a : an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worn as part of a military uniform b : an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a dress or coat

— ep·au·let·ted \ˌe-pə-ˈle-təd, ˈe-pə-ˌ\ adjective

[epaulet illustration]