chevron
/ˈʃɛvrən
/noun
1A V-shaped line or stripe, especially one on the sleeve of a uniform indicating rank or length of service.On his sleeve was the chevron of a petty officer....
- Along with the Badge of Military Merit in the summer of 1782, Washington also authorized a chevron for enlisted personnel signifying each three years of satisfactory service.
- Those veterans who were authorized by Army Regulations 600-95 to wear wound chevrons could apply for the new award.
1.1 Heraldry An ordinary in the form of a broad inverted V-shape.The dining-room of this old house is decorated with a coat of arms, chevrons, and bars rouge upon a field argent, which prove, upon inquiry, to be the shield of Nicholas de la Reynie, a high official of King Louis XIV.
Origin
Late Middle English (in heraldic use): from Old French, based on Latin caper 'goat'; compare with Latin capreoli (diminutive of caper) used to mean 'pair of rafters'.