BADGE, a distinctive emblem, originally worn by knights and their followers in battle as a mark of identification. Badges are now worn as a sign of membership of a society, or of the holding of an office, etc.
The heraldic badge is of great antiquity, the Plantagenet "broom," for instance, appearing on the seal of Richard I. ; in the 14th and 15th centuries badges were borne on horse-trappings, bed-hangings, etc. (See HERALDRY.) The fourth Lateran Council (1215) laid down a regulation by which Jews were compelled to wear a distinguishing badge on their outer garment or gaberdine (q.v.). It was worn on the breast and usually consisted of a circular piece of cloth. In France its colour was originally yellow, and later red and white ; in England it was formed by two white or yellow bands, and in Edward I.'s reign it was made in the shape of the Tables of the Law. (See the Jewish Encyclopaedia, s.v. "Costume.")