badge
/bæd͡ʒ/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.02 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A distinctive mark, token, sign, emblem or cognizance, worn on one’s clothing, as an insignia of some rank, or of the membership of an organization.
noun
A small nameplate, identifying the wearer, and often giving additional information.
noun
Something characteristic; a mark; a token.
noun
A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.
noun
A distinctive mark worn by servants, retainers, and followers of royalty or nobility, who, being beneath the rank of gentlemen, have no right to armorial bearings.
Example Sentences
- "the badge of a society; the badge of a policeman"
- "Tax-gatherers, […]recognized by their official badges."
- "Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge."
- "He has got his badge, and piked."
- "When you have checked in to the site from ten different cities, you unlock the Traveller badge."
- "That's why every badge back home wanted to nail him."
Etymology
From Middle English badge, bagge, bage, bagy, from Anglo-Norman bage or Medieval Latin bagea, bagia (“sign, emblem”), of uncertain origin. Possibly derived from Medieval Latin baga (“ring”), from Old Saxon bāg, bōg (“ring, ornament”), from Proto-Germanic *baugaz (“ring, bracelet, armband”); or possibly the Anglo-Norman word is derived from an earlier, unattested English word (compare Old English bēag (“ring, bracelet, collar, crown”). Cognate with Scots bagie, badgie, bawgy (“badge”).