BADGE

badge. Badge, n. a mark of distinction

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Badge (�), n. [[LL. bagea, bagia, sign, prob. of German origin; cf. AS. beág, beáh, bracelet, collar, crown, OS. bōg- in comp., AS. būgan to bow, bend, G. biegen. See Bow to bend.]] 1. 1. A distinctive mark, token, sign, or cognizance, worn on the person; as, the badge of a society; the badge of a policeman. “Tax gatherers, recognized by their official badges.” Prescott.
2. 2. Something characteristic; a mark; a token.
Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge. Shak. 3. 3. (Naut.) A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.