epa ulement

[Fr. épaule = the shoulder.] A species of breastwork formed to defend the flank of a post or any other place. A work thrown up to defend troops from an attacking force; usually shoulder high, hence the name epaulement. The expre ion is commonly used to designate the whole ma of earth, ., which protects the guns in a battery in front and at the sides. ěp-au-lětte, *ěp-au-lět, s. [Fr. épaulette, from épaule =the shoulder.] Mil.: A shoulder-piece; an ornamental badge worn on the shoulder, and made of various forms and material according to the rank of the wearer. ěp-au-lět-těd, a. [Eng. epaulett ( e ); -ed.] Furnished with or wearing epaulettes.