n. [ F. épaule shoulder, shoulder of a bastion. See Epaulet, and cf. Spall the shoulder. ] (Fort.) The shoulder of a bastion, or the place where its face and flank meet and form the angle, called the angle of the shoulder. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. épaulement. ] (Fort.) A side work, made of gabions, fascines, or bags, filled with earth, or of earth heaped up, to afford cover from the flanking fire of an enemy.
☞ In the United States service the epaulet is reserved for full dress uniform. Its use was abolished in the British army in 1855.