Cocard

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small ornamental badge or knot of ribbons worn on a hat or clothing as a mark of allegiance or rank; a decorative circular or oval emblem often used as a military or political symbol; a colored knot or rosette serving as an insignia or token of identification
2. An emblematic adornment fashioned from ribbons or fabric, usually pinned to a hat or outfit to signify loyalty or position; a round or oval decoration representing affiliation or honor, commonly worn by soldiers or supporters; a rosette or knot used as a distinguishing mark for recognition or status
3. A decorative rosette or knot attached to clothing or headwear to indicate membership or rank; a circular or oval badge often associated with military or political groups for identification; a colored ribbon arrangement serving as a symbolic ornament or emblem of allegiance

Etymology: Before it named a ribbon on a hat, the French adjective "cocard" described a person who strutted like a rooster. It comes from "coq," meaning cock or rooster, with the suffix "-ard," which in French often marks a person characterized by a quality, as in "vantard," a braggart. A "cocard" was therefore a cocky, self-satisfied fellow. The ornament took its name from that swagger. A cockade is a rosette, knot, or ribbon pinned to a hat as a badge of allegiance or rank, and the object seems to have been named for the proud, showy air of the person who wore it. English uses "cockade" as the common form, while "cocard" is a variant spelling that follows the French more closely.

Synonyms: badge, rosette, emblem, insignia, medal