cockade Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an ornament (such as a knot of ribbon or a rosette) usually worn on the hat

WordNet

Cock*ade" noun
Etymology
F. cocarble, fr. coquard vain, OF. coquart, fr. coq cock, prob. of imitative origin. The ornament is so named from its resemblance to the crest of a cock. Cf. Coquette.
Definitions
  1. A badge, usually in the form of a rosette, or knot, and generally worn upon the hat; -- used as an indication of military or naval service, or party allegiance, and in England as a part of the livery to indicate that the wearer is the servant of a military or naval officer.
    Seduced by military liveries and cockades. Burke.

Webster 1913