A small ornamental rosette or badge worn on a hat or clothing, typically made of ribbon or braid, especially as a military or official insignia.
From French 'cocarde,' possibly from 'coq' (rooster) in reference to a rooster-comb-like appearance, or from 'cocasse' (amusing/odd), first appearing in 17th-century military uniforms.
Cockades became so important in 18th-century France that wearing one in the wrong color could get you arrested during the Revolution—the tricolor cockade became a symbol of liberty, and refusing to wear it was considered treason.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.