epaulette
UK[ˈep.ə.let]US[ˈep.ə.let]
n
a decorative piece of metal or cloth on the shoulder of a uniform, especially a military one.
Morpheme Breakdown
epaule
ette
epaule
shoulder
ette
diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word 'epaulette' entered english from french in the late 18th century. its core component, 'epaule', traces back to the latin 'spatula', which referred broadly to a flat tool or object and, by extension, the shoulder blade. the french diminutive suffix '-ette' was added to denote a small shoulder piece or ornament. originally describing a piece of armor protecting the shoulder, the term's meaning evolved to signify the decorative shoulder insignia on military and ceremonial uniforms, signifying rank or unit affiliation.
Analysis
Structure: epaule (shoulder) + ette (diminutive suffix)
epaule is from old french 'espaule', meaning 'shoulder', ultimately from latin 'spatula' (flat piece, shoulder blade). ette is a french diminutive suffix, indicating a small version of something.
Examples
the general's uniform was adorned with golden epaulettes.
she sewed an epaulette onto the shoulder of the costume to complete the look.
the epaulettes on his jacket indicated his rank within the navy.