badge

1. (n) 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. 2. (n) A small nameplate, identifying the wearer, and often giving additional information. 3. (n) A card, sometimes with a barcode or magnetic strip, granting access to a certain area. 4. (n) (Internet, video games) An icon or emblem awarded to a user for some achievement. 5. (v) (transitive) To mark or distinguish with a badge. 6. (v) (transitive) To show a badge to. 7. (v) (ambitransitive) To enter a restricted area by showing one’s badge. 8. (n) Something characteristic; a mark; a token. 9. (n) (slang) A police officer. 10. (n) (nautical) A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one. 11. (n) (heraldry) A distinctive mark worn by servants, retainers, and followers of royalty or nobility, who, being beneath the rank of gentlemen, have no right to armorial bearings. 12. (n) (graphical user interface) A small overlay on an icon that shows additional information about that item, such as the number of new alerts or messages. 13. (n) (obsolete, thieves' cant) A brand on the hand of a thief, etc.