tabard

American  

[tab-erd] / ˈtæb ərd /

noun

1. a loose outer garment, sleeveless or with short sleeves, especially one worn by a knight over his armor and usually emblazoned with his arms.

2. an official garment of a herald, emblazoned with the arms of his master.

3. a coarse, heavy, short coat, with or without sleeves, formerly worn outdoors.

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tabard British  

/ ˈtæbəd /

noun

1. a sleeveless or short-sleeved jacket, esp one worn by a herald, bearing a coat of arms, or by a knight over his armour

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Other Word Forms

• tabarded
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tabard

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French tabart

Explanation

In the Middle Ages, men often wore a tabard, a short, sleeveless coat similar to a jerkin. Put on your tabard and tights, it's time for the Renaissance Faire! Tabards started out as modest dress, worn by monks and peasants starting in the 14th century. A hundred years later, knights began sporting belted tabards that were open at the sides and frequently emblazoned with a coat of arms. Today, an apron-like garment commonly worn by cleaners, caterers, and healthcare workers is sometimes also called a tabard. The famous starting place of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales was the Tabard Inn in London.

Example Sentences

When Tabard recounts a childhood visit to a Méliès film set, Mr. Stuhlbarg’s narration establishes a bittersweet but reverential tone.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2018

One of the best value is probably the Tabard Inn in Dupont Circle, mentioned in John Grisham’s Pelican Brief.

From The Guardian • Nov. 12, 2017

Several winters ago, Meagan Foster and her then-boyfriend were trying to turn a bad day around by venturing to the Tabard Inn for drinks and dinner.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2017

He used to take me to Old Ebbitt Grill and Tabard Inn for Sunday brunch.

From Washington Post • Jun. 1, 2016

Monsieur Tabard held some kind of large package under his arm.

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick