badge
UK: bædʒ | US: bædʒ
n. a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth bearing a design or words, typically worn to identify authority, membership, or achievement
n. a distinctive emblem or mark of recognition
vt. to mark or identify with a badge
The word "badge" first appeared in Middle English (late 14th century), likely borrowed from Anglo-French bage or Medieval Latin bagia, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain. It may derive from an unrecorded Old French term related to "sign" or "emblem." The silent "e" is a common feature in English orthography, added historically but not pronounced. Over time, "badge" evolved from denoting a heraldic emblem to its modern sense of a symbolic identifier.
She proudly wore her volunteer badge at the event.
The police officer flashed his badge before entering the building.
The company badges all employees for security purposes.
His smile was a badge of confidence.
The scout earned a merit badge for his survival skills.