battle clasp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, historical, military
Quick answer
What does “battle clasp” mean?
A metal bar, with the name of a battle or campaign engraved, worn on a military medal ribbon to denote participation in that specific engagement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metal bar, with the name of a battle or campaign engraved, worn on a military medal ribbon to denote participation in that specific engagement.
A military decoration indicating direct involvement in a particular combat operation; figuratively, it can denote any symbol of direct, challenging participation in a significant event or struggle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in British/Commonwealth military parlance (e.g., the '1939-45 Star' with a 'Battle of Britain' clasp). In the US, the term 'battle clasp' is used, but 'campaign clasp' or 'battle star' (for service stars on campaign medals) are more frequent equivalents.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries strong historical and regimental prestige. In American usage, it is a recognized but less common term, with 'battle star' being the more familiar concept.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; primarily found in military history, collecting (phaleristics), and veteran contexts. More frequent in UK historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “battle clasp” in a Sentence
The veteran's medal bore the [Battle Name] battle clasp.He was awarded the battle clasp for [Campaign Name].The clasp [VERB] to the ribbon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in military history papers and works on phaleristics (the study of awards).
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might be mentioned when discussing family military history.
Technical
Specific term within military regulations and award criteria, and in medal collecting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “battle clasp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “battle clasp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “battle clasp”
- Using 'battle clasp' to refer to the main medal itself.
- Confusing it with a 'clasp' as in a handshake or fastener.
- Incorrect plural: 'battles clasp' instead of 'battle clasps'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standalone medal. It is a metal bar that is attached to the ribbon of an existing campaign or service medal to denote participation in a specific battle.
They serve a similar function. 'Battle clasp' is a term more common in British/Commonwealth systems, often a rectangular bar. A 'service star' or 'battle star' (often a small bronze star) is the typical U.S. equivalent attached to campaign medals.
It is highly unlikely. The term is very specific to military awards and history. Using it outside this context would be confusing to most listeners.
It is physically attached (sewn or pinned) to the ribbon of the medal. When only the ribbon is worn on a uniform (a ribbon bar), a small metal rosette or emblem may be used to represent the clasp.
A metal bar, with the name of a battle or campaign engraved, worn on a military medal ribbon to denote participation in that specific engagement.
Battle clasp is usually formal, historical, military in register.
Battle clasp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbæt.əl ˌklɑːsp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæt̬.əl ˌklæsp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier's MEDAL giving a BATTLE a firm CLASP (handshake) to show they 'met' in combat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TANGIBLE RECORD IS AN ATTACHMENT (The clasp attaches the memory of a specific battle to the general medal of service).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'battle clasp' primarily?