Epaulets, also known as shoulder boards, are decorative pieces of fabric or metal worn on the shoulders of a uniform. They serve as a distinguishing mark of rank or position, and are commonly worn by military and civil officers. There are several synonyms for the word epaulets, including shoulder knots, shoulder straps, shoulder badges, and collar tabs. Some variations of these terms may also be used, such as winged epaulets or shoulder loops. Overall, the purpose of epaulets is to add an aesthetic element to a uniform, while also communicating important information about the wearer's rank or position.