shoulder-mark

A naval officer adjusts the shoulder-mark on his uniform.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Insignia on a uniform: "shoulder-mark" refers to a piece of cloth, metal, or other material worn on the shoulder of a military or official uniform to indicate rank, unit, or branch of service. In the U.S. Navy, it specifically denotes a shoulder loop or epaulette insignia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailor's shoulder-mark showed he was a petty officer. (The insignia on his uniform indicated his rank.)
  • She carefully sewed the new shoulder-mark onto her dress uniform before the ceremony. (She attached the rank insignia to the shoulder area.)

Advanced Usage

• "to earn a shoulder-mark": to achieve a rank or position indicated by such an insignia.

  • After years of service, he finally earned the shoulder-mark of a lieutenant. (He attained the rank represented by the insignia.)

• "shoulder-mark of honor": a specific insignia awarded for distinguished service.

  • The admiral wore a special shoulder-mark of honor for his bravery in battle. (The insignia was a symbol of his heroic deeds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shoulder loop (n): a strap or loop on the shoulder of a uniform, often used to hold a shoulder-mark.

  • The shoulder loop was empty because he had not yet received his new shoulder-mark. (The strap was waiting for the insignia.)

• Epaulette (n): an ornamental shoulder piece on a uniform, often synonymous with shoulder-mark in formal contexts.

  • The general's epaulette was adorned with gold braid. (The shoulder-mark was decorative and indicated high rank.)

Synonyms

• Insignia: a badge or emblem indicating rank or membership.
• Rank badge: a specific mark showing one's position in a hierarchy.
• Shoulder board: a stiff rectangular piece worn on the shoulder, especially in naval uniforms.

Related Idioms

• "Shoulder the mark": to accept the responsibility associated with one's rank.

  • As a new officer, he must learn to shoulder the mark of command. (He must accept the duties of his rank.)

• "Mark on the shoulder": a figurative expression for a visible sign of authority.

  • The mark on the shoulder gave him the confidence to lead. (His shoulder-mark symbolized his authority.)