n.
Variant: also ep · au · lette
Pronunciation: ˌ e-p ə - ' let; ' e-p ə - ˌ let, -l ə t
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: 1783
: 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 \ ˌ e-p ə - ' le-t ə d, ' e-p ə - ˌ \ adjective
epaulet