Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Merit ___ (5 letter answer)
The Answer
BADGE
Tags
Notes
The answer BADGE is uncommon, appearing about once every 375 puzzles.
Related Clues
Hallmark
Insignia
Medallion
Shield
Columbo carries one
Cop's ID
Earp's star
Marshal's star
Officer's identification
Officer's shield
"The Red ___ of Courage"
Scout's honor
Scout's quest
Sheriff's star
Sheriff's symbol
Star of "Gunsmoke"?
Star, maybe
Symbol of authority
Symbol of a sort
Background for "Dragnet" credits
Boy Scout's merit ___
Conventioneer's ID
Emblem carried on a beat
It's flashed by an officer
Sheriff's star, e.g.
Star in old westerns
Star worn by a sheriff
Stephen Crane's was red
Item that may be swiped at work
Definition
BADGE as a noun:
1. an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.); "they checked everyone's badge before letting them in"
2. any feature that is regarded as a sign of status (a particular power or quality or rank); "wearing a tie was regarded as a badge of respectability"
BADGE as a verb:
1. put a badge on; "The workers here must be badged"