Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BADGE, n. [I know not the affinities of this word, not having found it in any other language. Probably it belongs to class Bg.]

1. A mark, sign, token, or thing, by which a person is distinguished, in a particular place or employment, and designating his relation to a person or to a particular occupation; as, the badge of authority.
2. The mark or token of any thing; as, the badge of bitterness. – Shak.
3. An ornament on ships, near the stern, decorated with figures.