Caparison, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caparisoned p. pr. & vb. n. Caparisoning.]
Etymology: [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 aborn with rich dress; to dress. I am caparisoned like a man. Shak.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Caparison, n.
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.
Shades of meaning
Harness was formerly used of the armor of a knight as well as of a horse; it is now used almost exclusively of the straps and appurtenances worn by a horse when attached to a vehicle; the animal is said to be "kind in harness." The other words apply to the ornamental outfit of a horse, especially under saddle. We speak also of the accouterments of a soldier. Caparison is used rarely and somewhat slightingly, and trappings quite contemptuously, for showy human apparel. Compare arms; dress.