accoutrements

Noun

accoutrement (plural accoutrements)

1. (in plural) A soldier's equipment, other than weapons and uniform.
   • Thus One / Jovial his Mate bespoke; O Friend, observe, / How gay with all th'Accoutrements of War / The Britons come, with Gold well fraught they come1705, John Philips, Blenheim, a Poem
2. (in plural) An article of clothing or equipment, in particular when used as an accessory.
   • To me ſhe's married, not vnto my cloathes: / Could I repaire what ſhe will weare in me, / As I can change theſe poore accoutrements, / 'Twere well for Kate, and better for my ſelfe.c. 1590–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Taming of the Shrew”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

   Synonyms:

   equipment, gear, trappings, accessory

3. (broadly) An identifying yet superficial characteristic.
   • By the summer of 1964 they had achieved the bigger house on the better street and the familiar accouterments of a family on its way up: the $30,000 a year, the three children for the Christmas card, the picture window, the family room, […]1968, Joan Didion, “Life Styles in the Golden Land”, in Slouching Towards Bethlehem
4. (archaic) The act of accoutering; furnishing.