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What is a
badge?
A badge is a distinctive mark, token, sign, emblem or cognizance, worn
on one's clothing, as an insignia of some rank, or of the membership of
an organization. A badge is a small nameplate, identifying the wearer,
and often giving additional information. Also, a badge is a card,
sometimes with a barcode or magnetic strip, granting access to a certain
area.
A badge is a device, patch, or accoutrement which is presented or
displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a
symbol of authority granted by taking an oath (e.g., police and fire), a
sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple means of
identification. They are also used in advertising, publicity, and for
branding purposes. Badges or patches can be made from metal, plastic,
leather, textile fabric, rubber, etc., and they are commonly attached to
clothing, bags, footwear, transportation vehicles, home electrical
equipment, etc. In the military, badges are often used to denote
qualifications received through military training, rank, etc. Similarly,
youth organizations such as scouting and guiding use them to show group
membership, awards and rank. Textile badges or patches can be either
woven or embroidered, and can be attached by gluing, iron-on or sewn.
Members of fraternities and sororities often refer to the pins that
signify their membership as badges. One of the best-known badges is the
typically star-shaped U.S. sheriff's badge, made famous in Westerns. In
work places employees are often issued name badges which identify them.
Name badges are also commonly issued in high schools and hospitals. They
are often used to tell legitimate workers from impersonators. |
