A small braid or plait of hair, historically worn as part of military or formal dress.
From French 'cadenette,' a diminutive of 'cadene' (chain). In the 17th century, soldiers and courtiers wore small braids hanging down their backs, creating a decorative chain-like effect.
The cadenette was such a status symbol that King Louis XIV of France banned longer cadenettes to establish military hierarchy—who wore which length of braid signaled rank and power.
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