English

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Etymology

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From shoulder +‎ board.

Noun

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shoulderboard (plural shoulderboards)

  1. (military) An elaborate shoulder strap on a military uniform.
    • 2011, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Jerusalem: The Biography – A History of the Middle East, page 409:
      In Jerusalem, the streets glittered with the gold braid and shoulderboards of Russian uniforms, worn by princes and generals, while teeming with the sheepskins and smocks of thousands of peasant pilgrims, all encouraged by Nicholas who also despatched and ecclesiastical mission to compete with the other Europeans.