Aillettes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Small decorative pieces of metal or other material sewn onto clothing to add embellishment or texture
2. Eye-catching elements often fashioned in the shape of discs or small extensions for aesthetic enhancement
3. Features applied to garments that serve both functional purposes, such as reinforcing areas, and decorative roles to elevate style

Etymology: Before it named a glittering spangle, this word named a piece of armour. It comes from French "ailette", a diminutive of "aile", meaning "wing", so an "ailette" was literally a little wing. In medieval and early modern armour, the term denoted a small plate that protected the shoulder. The word later shifted to decorative use, and in English it now means a small ornamental sequin or spangle sewn onto clothing. The change moves from a piece of protective metal to a piece of glittering trim, while the French diminutive ending "-ette" stays the same.

Synonyms: pauldrons, shoulder plates, epaulettes