Ca*par"i*son (?), n. [F.
caparaçon, 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, esp. when
decorative.
Their horses clothed with rich
caparison.
Drylen.
2. Gay or rich clothing.
My heart groans beneath the gay
caparison.
Smollett.
Ca*par"i*son, v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Caparisoned (?) p. pr. & vb.
n. Caparisoning.] [Cf. F
caparaçonner.]
1. To cover with housings, as a horse; to
harness or fit out with decorative trappings, as a
horse.
The steeds, caparisoned with purple,
stand.
Dryden.
2. To adorn with rich dress; to
dress.
I am caparisoned like a man.
Shak.