Pronunciation: [bˈɑːd] (IPA) 
Barde is a word that can be spelled in different ways depending on the context in which it is used. In French, for example, the word is spelled barde and refers to a method of cooking meat by wrapping it in fat. In English, the word can be spelled either barde or bard and refers to a piece of cloth used to cover a horse or to a poet who sings heroic songs. The IPA phonetic transcription for barde is /bɑrd/ and for bard is /bɑːd/.
Barde is a verb originating from archaic and poetic English literature, particularly in Shakespearean works, referring to the act of adorning or covering something with decorative or ornamental elements. The term is often used in the context of adorning a horse, specifically by equipping it with armor or trappings for battle or ceremonial purposes.
In the context of knights and chivalry, barde was extensively used to describe the process of dressing a warhorse with protective armor, such as plates or chainmail, to shield the animal during combat. This not only safeguarded the horse from injuries but also added a sense of majesty and grandeur to its appearance. The act of barde was often considered an essential aspect of medieval warfare, where knights and their horses formed a symbiotic relationship on the battlefield.
Beyond horses, the term barde can also encompass the embellishment or adornment of other objects or living beings. It can denote the act of decorating oneself or someone else, whether through clothing, accessories, or other decorative elements. Additionally, barde can also extend to mean the act of beautifying a setting or environment, such as adorning a room or space with artistic or aesthetic elements.
Overall, the term barde encapsulates the act of embellishing or covering something, particularly in a decorative or protective manner, often associated with the adornment of horses, individuals, or objects in a visually pleasing or ceremonial fashion.
The word "barde" has an Old French origin. It comes from the Old French verb "barder", which means "to equip with armor" or "to dress in armor". The term "barde" specifically refers to the armor or protective covering used for horses in medieval times. Over time, the word "barde" has evolved to also refer to the act of feeding animals, particularly cattle or horses.
