Brassard

Brassard is a term of French origin used in both French and English to refer to a band worn around the upper arm. In contemporary usage it most commonly denotes an armband that bears insignia, rank, or affiliation. The word is encountered in military, police, sports, and ceremonial contexts, where the brassard serves as a visible marker of belonging or authority.

In military and paramilitary settings, a brassard is typically a cloth strap worn on the upper arm, often in a contrasting color and sometimes bearing symbols, letters, or unit designations to indicate role, unit, or allegiance. In sports, captains and officials may wear a brassard to signify authority or leadership. In public events or demonstrations, armbands described as brassards are used to identify participants or demonstrate support for a cause.

Historically, the term may also refer to an upper-arm guard in plate armor, protecting the arm as part of a full suit. The usage varies by era and region, and references to brassard appear in inventories and descriptions of medieval and early modern armor, though the exact terminology can differ across languages and texts.

Brassard is also a surname. It is most common in French-speaking regions of North America and Europe, notably Quebec and parts of France. Several individuals bearing the name Brassard have gained public recognition in fields such as politics, arts, and sports. The word thus spans clothing, defense, genealogy, and cultural identity.