Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Epaulet \Ep"au*let`\, Epaulette \Ep"au*lette`\, n. [F.
   ['e]paulette, dim. of ['e]paule shoulder, fr. L. spatula a
   broad piece (LL., shoulder), dim. of spatha abroad, flat
   instrument, fr. Gr. ?, also, a broad rib, shoulder blade. See
   {Spade} the instrument, and cf. {Epaule}, {Spatula}.] (Mil.)
   A shoulder ornament or badge worn by military and naval
   officers, differences of rank being marked by some peculiar
   form or device, as a star, eagle, etc.; a shoulder knot.

   Note: In the United States service the epaulet is reserved
         for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the
         British army in 1855.

Source : WordNet®

epaulet
     n : adornment consisting of an ornamental cloth pad worn on the
         shoulder [syn: {epaulette}]