English girl shows sign of rank (9)

I believe the answer is:

epaulette

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'sign of rank' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'english girl' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'girl' becomes 'paulette' (girl's name).
'e'+'paulette'='EPAULETTE'

'shows' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for epaulette that I've seen before include "Shoulder decoration" , "Military shoulderpiece" , "Shoulder piece (mil.)" , "piece of uniform" , "badge of rank" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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