rating badge

noun

: a distinctive mark of a petty officer (as in the U.S. Navy) that consists of an eagle, one, two, or three chevrons, an arc for a chief, and a specialty mark and that is worn between shoulder and elbow formerly on the right by members of the seaman branch and on the left by others but from 1948 on the left by all branches

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now