caparison: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequencyFormal, literary, historical
Quick answer
What does “caparison” mean?
A decorative covering for a horse or other animal, especially one used in ceremonies or parades.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative covering for a horse or other animal, especially one used in ceremonies or parades.
Elaborate or rich clothing or adornment for a person, or any showy and decorative covering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes medieval pageantry, heraldry, or historical fiction.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language, slightly more likely encountered in British historical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “caparison” in a Sentence
[to caparison + object][to be caparisoned in + material/colour][the caparison of + animal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caparison” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The knights would caparison their steeds in silk and heraldic colours for the tournament.
American English
- The royal horses were caparisoned in purple velvet trimmed with gold.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial form in use.
American English
- No common adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- No common adjectival form in use.
American English
- No common adjectival form in use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or art history contexts.
Everyday
Virtually unknown except as a curiosity.
Technical
Used in historical reenactment, equestrian history, or heraldry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “caparison”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “caparison”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caparison”
- Confusing it with 'comparison'. Using it in contemporary contexts where 'outfit' or 'gear' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for horses, but it can be used metaphorically for elaborate human attire or decoration.
Yes, 'to caparison' means to adorn or outfit something (especially a horse) with decorative coverings.
No, it is a very rare, specialized, and literary word.
It comes from the Old Spanish 'caparazón', meaning a protective covering, likely from 'capa' meaning 'cape'.
A decorative covering for a horse or other animal, especially one used in ceremonies or parades.
Caparison is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Caparison: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈpærɪsən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈpærɪsən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To caparison an argument (metaphorical: to dress it up elaborately).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CAPtain's horse needs a CAPArison for a parade. It's a covering that CAPs the animal.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS ADORNMENT / PREPARATION IS DRESSING UP.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'caparison' most likely to be used accurately?