tabard

noun

tab·​ard ˈta-bərd 

also -ˌbärd

: a short loose-fitting sleeveless or short-sleeved coat or cape: such as

a

: a tunic worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his arms

b

: a herald's official cape or coat emblazoned with his lord's arms

c

: a woman's sleeveless outer garment often with side slits

Illustration of tabard

• tabard b

Examples of tabard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the arena, knights in polyester tabards battle for the queen’s favor, hurling, stabbing, and slamming each other to the ground. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

The tabard was a sort of halfway house. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tabard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard

Kids Definition

tabard

noun

tab·​ard ˈtab-ərd 

1

: a cloak worn by a knight over his armor and ornamented with his arms

2

: a herald's cape or coat ornamented with the lord's arms