Caparison

Origin

From Middle French caparaçon, from Old Spanish caparazón, from Old Provencal capairon.

Full definition of caparison

Noun

1. The often ornamental coverings for an animal, especially a horse or an elephant.
• 1861, Charlotte Guest, translator, .And the green of the caparison of the horse, and of his rider, was as green as the leaves of the fir-tree, and the yellow was as yellow as the blossom of the broom.
2. Gay or rich clothing.
• SmollettMy heart groans beneath the gay caparison.

Verb

1. To dress up a horse or elephant with ornamental coverings.
• 1593, Shakespeare, Richard III, .Come, bustle, bustle; caparison my horse