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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
[1913 Webster]

Note: In the United States service the epaulet is reserved
for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the
British army in 1855. Epauleted