佩饰 (pèi shì) literally combines 佩 (pèi), meaning 'to wear (especially on the body or at the waist)', and 饰 (shì), meaning 'decoration' or 'ornament'. Together, it refers to small decorative items worn on the person—such as pendants, brooches, hairpins, or belt ornaments—not primarily for function but for aesthetic, symbolic, or cultural expression. Historically, 佩饰 often carried social or spiritual significance: jade pendants signaled virtue in ancient China, while certain animal-shaped ornaments (e.g., tiger or phoenix motifs) conveyed protection or auspiciousness.

Today, 佩饰 is a formal, slightly literary term commonly found in museum descriptions, fashion journalism, or discussions of traditional attire. It’s broader than everyday words like 首饰 (shǒu shì, 'jewelry') because it includes non-jewelry accessories worn on clothing or the body—like embroidered badges or ceremonial sashes. While modern speakers may use it in contexts evoking elegance or heritage, it’s rarely used for casual items like plastic keychains or temporary tattoos.