insignia

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɪgnɪə/

noun (plural or insignias)

  • a distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership of an organization: a khaki uniform with colonel’s insignia on the collar the royal insignia of Scotland
  • a sign or token of something: the ruins are devoid of moss and ivy, the romantic insignia of age and decay

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin, plural of insigne 'sign, badge of office', neuter of insignis 'distinguished (as if by a mark)', from in- 'towards' + signum 'sign'