Originally Posted by
Short Bus Drive
Off subject:
The epaulets (sp?) are the "thingys" (extra material and buttons) that allow you to attach "shoulder boards" to your uniform shirt. No?
They're both:
Main Entry: epˇauˇlet
Variant(s): also epˇauˇlette /"e-p&-'let; 'e-p&-"let, -l&t/
Function: noun
Etymology: French épaulette, diminutive of épaule shoulder, from Old French espalle, from Late Latin spatula shoulder blade, spoon, diminutive of Latin spatha spoon, sword -- more at SPADE
: something that ornaments or protects the shoulder: as a : an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worn as part of a military uniform b : an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a dress or coat