What does epaule mean?
An epaul is a decorative shoulder piece associated especially with military and ceremonial uniforms. It may be made from fabric, metal, braid, or a combination of these, and it can be decorated with fringe or insignia that communicate a soldier's rank or unit. The term also appears in descriptions of formal and historical clothing, including military tunics, dress uniforms, court dress, and stage costumes. In contemporary fashion writing, it can refer more broadly to an ornamental shoulder detail. Epaul is a relatively uncommon English spelling; epaulette and epaulet are more widely used, especially in the United States. The word is related to French épaule and ultimately to a family of Latin and Greek words associated with a blade or flat, spade-like object. Knowing epaul enriches descriptions of uniforms because it distinguishes a particular kind of shoulder decoration from a generic strap, seam, or fastening.
nounAn ornamental piece worn on the shoulder, especially as part of a military, ceremonial, or formal uniform. Epaulettes may feature braid, fringe, metallic decoration, or insignia indicating rank.
- A decorative shoulder piece worn with a military, ceremonial, or formal uniform, often bearing braid, fringe, or insignia.
"Each officer wore a gold epaul bearing the regiment's insignia."
"The museum restored the regiment's tunic, including its gold epaul."
"The jacket's clean lines were softened by a single epaul at the shoulder."
The standard plural adds -es to the singular form.
"Gold epaulles hung from the shoulders of the parade uniform."
An epaul may be only a shoulder ornament, but it can convey a soldier's rank before a single word is spoken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does epaule come from?
The word entered English through French épaule, from Latin spatula, a diminutive of spatha, meaning a spade or flat blade, with a further connection to Greek spatē, “blade.” The English word has come to denote chiefly the ornamental shoulder pieces worn with uniforms. Its Latin relatives include spatula and spatule, while spatha and spathe preserve the older blade-forming root.
How epaule is actually used
Epaul is less common in modern English than epaulette or epaulet. It is chiefly used in formal, historical, military, or descriptive fashion contexts.
Easily confused with epaule
An epaul and an epaulette refer to the same kind of ornamental shoulder piece, but epaulette and epaulet are the more common English spellings.