merit badge
/ˈmerɪt bædʒ/
/ˈmerɪt bædʒ/
- any of several badges awarded in the Boy Scouts of America for different achievements and sewn onto their uniforms. A certain number are needed before a Scout can move to a higher rank. Merit badges are awarded for skills and study in many areas, such as cooking, safety, communications, sports, computers, pets and family life.