From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Caparison \Ca*par"i*son\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caparisonedp.
pr. & vb. n. Caparisoning.] [Cf. F capara[,c]onner.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To cover with housings, as a horse; to harness or fit out
with decorative trappings, as a horse.
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The steeds, caparisoned with purple, stand.
--Dryden.
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2. To adorn with rich dress; to dress.
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I am caparisoned like a man. --Shak.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Caparison \Ca*par"i*son\, n. [F. capara[,c]on, 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, especially
when decorative.
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Their horses clothed with rich caparison. --Drylen.
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2. Gay or rich clothing.
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My heart groans beneath the gay caparison.
--Smollett.
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From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
caparison
n 1: stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse,
especially (formerly) for a warhorse [syn: caparison,
trapping, housing]
v 1: put a caparison on; "caparison the horses for the festive
occasion" [syn: caparison, bard, barde, dress up]