Trappings, n. pl.
Etymology: [From Trap to dress with ornaments.]
1. That which serves to trap or adorn; ornaments; dress; superficial decorations. Trappings of life, for ornament, not use. Dryden. These but the trappings and the suits of woe. Shak.
2. Specifically, ornaments to be put on horses. Caparisons and steeds, Bases and tinsel trappings. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for trappings; he lists it under caparison.
Where he writes about it:
Caparison is used rarely and somewhat slightingly, and trappings quite contemptuously, for showy human apparel. — from caparison
Antonyms
none given