Caparisoned

The word 'caparisoned' (pronounced kap-uh-riz-uhnd) is a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb 'caparison'. It describes the act of dressing or adorning something, especially a horse, with rich or decorative coverings or trappings. These coverings often include cloths, blankets, armor, or ornamental decorations designed to enhance the appearance of the animal and/or display wealth, status, or heraldry. The implication is often one of ceremony, grandeur, or display. The act suggests careful preparation and a specific purpose tied to an event or occasion and can also be metaphorically applied to other entities like people or even objects, suggesting adornment and embellishment to enhance appearance or significance.

Caparisoned meaning with examples

• The knights' horses, caparisoned in vibrant silks bearing their family crests, pranced proudly in the sunlight, ready to participate in the grand tournament. Each cloth showed signs of great status within the household. The caparisoned steeds were a sight to behold, representing the splendor of their riders and adding to the regal atmosphere of the competition.
• For the royal procession, the elephants were magnificently caparisoned with jeweled harnesses and elaborate gold cloth, reflecting the immense power and wealth of the empire. The intricate decorations depicted scenes of the kingdom's glory and added to the ceremonial feel of the display, intended to impress and display the power of the royals.
• In the historical reenactment, the Roman legionaries' horses were meticulously caparisoned in crimson and gold, accurately reflecting the historical practices and aesthetic preferences of the period. Attention to detail, from the horses' attire to the riders' armor, greatly added to the realism and authenticity of the representation.
• As the wealthy merchant’s carriage arrived, the horses pulling it were ostentatiously caparisoned with expensive velvet and silver embroidery, signaling the merchant's fortune. The ostentatious display of wealth was meant to create a lasting impression. The richly decorated horses became a visible symbol of his affluence and ambition.
• Figuratively, the speaker caparisoned their presentation with compelling anecdotes and powerful statistics to make their data captivating and engaging. The embellished speech aimed to capture and maintain their audience's attention, transforming the information into something more memorable and impactful than just facts.