Ca*par"i*son (?), n. [F. caparaon, 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.
© Webster 1913.
Ca*par"i*son, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caparisoned (?) p. pr. & vb. n. Caparisoning.] [Cf. F caparassonner.]
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 aborn with rich dress; to dress.
I am caparisoned like a man.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.