Epaulet
Epaulet , noun
[French épaulette, dim. of épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula a broad piece (Late Latin, shoulder), dim. of spatha abroad, flat instrument, from Greek {not transcribed}, also, a broad rib, shoulder blade. See Spade the instrument, and compare Epaule, Spatula.]
(Military) 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.
In the United States service the epaulet is reserved for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the British army in 1855.
Also: Epaulette