A shoulder ornament on military uniforms, typically made of braided cord, fringes, or metal plates, indicating rank or unit.
From French épaulette, diminutive of épaule (shoulder), from Latin spatula (shoulder blade). Originally a practical shoulder piece, evolved into a rank insignia.
Those decorative shoulder things on fancy uniforms? That's how militaries have been showing rank for centuries—an epaulet literally sits where your shoulder is, so it's impossible to miss someone's authority.
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