caparison

American  

[kuh-par-uh-suhn] / kəˈpær ə sən /

noun

1. a decorative covering for a horse or for the tack or harness of a horse; trappings.

2. rich and sumptuous clothing or equipment.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover with a caparison.

2. to dress richly; deck.

caparison British  

/ kəˈpærɪsən /

noun

1. a decorated covering for a horse or other animal, esp (formerly) for a warhorse

2. rich or elaborate clothing and ornaments

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verb

1. (tr) to put a caparison on

Other Word Forms

• uncaparisoned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of caparison

1585–95; < Middle French caparasson (now caparaçon ) < Old Spanish caparazón, akin to capa cape ¹

Example Sentences

Caparison, ka-par′is-un, n. the covering of a horse: a rich cloth laid over a war-horse: dress and ornaments generally.—v.t. to cover with a cloth, as a horse: to dress very richly.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Caparison is used rarely and somewhat slightingly, and trappings quite contemptuously, for showy human apparel.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

Oh Generall: Here is the Steed, wee the Caparison: Hadst thou beheld-   Martius.

From Coriolanus by Shakespeare, William