caparison

caparison
    n 1: stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse,
         especially (formerly) for a warhorse [syn: {caparison},
         {trapping}, {housing}]
    v 1: put a caparison on; "caparison the horses for the festive
         occasion" [syn: {caparison}, {bard}, {barde}, {dress up}]
    

Caparison \Ca*par"i*son\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Caparisoned}p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Caparisoning}.] [Cf. F capara[,c]onner.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To cover with housings, as a horse; to harness or fit out
      with decorative trappings, as a horse.
      [1913 Webster]

            The steeds, caparisoned with purple, stand.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. To adorn with rich dress; to dress.
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            I am caparisoned like a man.          --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Caparison \Ca*par"i*son\, n. [F. capara[,c]on, fr. Sp. caparazon
   a cover for a saddle, coach, etc.; capa cloak, cover (fr. LL.
   capa, cf. LL. caparo also fr. capa) + the term. azon. See
   {Cap}.]
   1. An ornamental covering or housing for a horse; the harness
      or trappings of a horse, taken collectively, especially
      when decorative.
      [1913 Webster]

            Their horses clothed with rich caparison. --Drylen.
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   2. Gay or rich clothing.
      [1913 Webster]

            My heart groans beneath the gay caparison.
                                                  --Smollett.
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62 Moby Thesaurus words for "caparison":
      accouterments, back band, backstrap, bearing rein, bellyband, bit,
      blinders, blinds, breeching, bridle, cavesson, checkrein,
      cheekpiece, chinband, cinch, collar, crownband, crupper, curb,
      furnishings, gag swivel, getup, girth, hackamore, halter, hames,
      hametugs, harness, headgear, headstall, hip straps, horse blanket,
      horsecloth, housing, jaquima, jerk line, lines, livery, martingale,
      noseband, outfit, pole strap, reins, ribbons, rig, saddle,
      saddle blanket, saddlecloth, shaft tug, side check, snaffle,
      surcingle, tack, tackle, things, trappings, trousseau, tug,
      turnout, wardrobe, winker braces, yoke