What does passement mean?
A passement is a decorative braid or ornamental edging used to finish clothing, uniforms, curtains, furniture, and other objects. It may be made from silk, metallic thread, woven ribbon, or combinations of materials, and its purpose is primarily ornamental. The word is especially associated with finely made trims in ceremonial, historical, and traditional dress, where gold, silver, or brightly colored braid can add richness and visual detail. Although the general terms braid and trim are more common in everyday English, passement has a more precise and decorative association. In older descriptions of clothing and furnishings, it could refer to a narrow woven band used as an edging or fastening as well as to ornamental braid. Today it is most likely to appear in descriptions of uniforms, stage costumes, historic garments, and decorative interiors.
nounA narrow ornamental braid or decorative edging, often made from silk, metallic thread, or similar material, used on clothing, uniforms, curtains, and other furnishings.
- An ornamental braid or decorative edging used to trim clothing, uniforms, furnishings, and similar objects.
"Gold passement along the cuffs gave the ceremonial uniform an elaborate finish."
"The ceremonial coat was edged with intricate gold passement."
"A narrow passement of braided silk finished the curtain's edge."
The plural is formed by adding -s and is used when referring to multiple pieces of decorative braid or trimming.
"Several gold passements bordered the museum's historic uniforms."
The word comes from French passement, literally something passed or sewn through, a fitting name for decorative braid woven through a garment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does passement come from?
The word comes from French passement, a word for decorative braid or trimming, derived from passer, meaning to pass or sew through. The French verb ultimately traces to Latin passare, a form connected with passus, meaning a step or passage. English cognates such as passage, passenger, and passport belong to the same broader family of words associated with passing or going.
How passement is actually used
The word is formal and specialized, especially associated with clothing and interior decoration. In modern usage it is less common than the general terms braid and trim.