caparison

¹ca·par·i·son

noun \kə-ˈper-ə-sən, -ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of CAPARISON

1

a : an ornamental covering for a horse

b : decorative trappings and harness

2

: rich clothing : adornment

Examples of CAPARISON

1. <attended the masquerade ball in the caparison of an Indian maharaja>
2. <horses dressed in Old-West caparison for the parade>

Origin of CAPARISON

Middle French caparaçon, from Old Spanish caparazón

First Known Use: 1579

Related to CAPARISON

Synonyms

array, best, bravery, finery, feather, frippery, full dress, gaiety (also gayety), glad rags, regalia

Related Words

apparel, attire, costume, duds, habiliment(s), rags, raiment, rig, rigging, threads, toggery, togs, vestiary, vesture, wear

Near Antonyms

tatters; disarray, dishabille

²caparison

transitive verb

Definition of CAPARISON

: to provide with or as if with a rich ornamental covering : adorn

Examples of CAPARISON

1. <used to seeing him in a T-shirt and jeans, we were startled by the sight of strapping youth caparisoned for the prom in a tuxedo>
2. <the state's rolling hills are even more becoming when they are caparisoned in the glorious colors of autumn>

First Known Use of CAPARISON

1594

Related to CAPARISON

Synonyms

apparel, array, attire, bedeck, clothe, costume, deck (out), do up, dress, dress up, enrobe, garb, garment, get up, gown, habit, invest, rig (out), robe, suit, tog (up or out), toilet, vesture

Antonyms

disarray, disrobe, strip, unclothe, undress, untruss [archaic]

Related Words

cloak, frock, jacket, mantle, vest; drape, enswathe, hap [dialect], huddle, swaddle, swathe, wrap; accoutre (or accouter), bedight [archaic], equip, furnish, habilitate, outfit, tailor, uniform; dress down, underdress

Near Antonyms

denude, divest, uncover, undrape, unveil