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.