The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EPAULET
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
P
A
U
L
E
T
More clues leading to the result EPAULET
- US uniform symbol regressive goon allowed on both sides of uniform
- Finally solve Paul’s ‘Alien with an American shoulder piece‘
- English apostle and French American soldier may wear it
- Paul wears shirt the wrong way to provide shoulder covering
- McCartney wearing casual shirt, brought back shoulder decoration
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "American /s/houlder piece" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case american /s/houlder piece = epaulet.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EPAULET mean?
EPAULET noun- An ornamentation, worn on the shoulders of a military uniform, as a sign of rank
- A similar piece of trimming on a lady’s dress
- A plate on the anterior wings of some insects
- The red patch on the shoulders of a red-winged blackbird