Barding is a term used to describe the practice of adding armor to horses. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as 'bɑrdɪŋ', with the stress on the second syllable. The first two letters, 'ba', are pronounced as the 'a' in 'father'. The 'r' in the middle is pronounced with a slight trill, while the final syllable, 'ing', is pronounced with a short 'i' sound as in 'bit' and a soft 'ng' sound as in 'sing'.
Barding is a term that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In the medieval sense, barding refers to the practice of covering a horse with armor or protective gear, especially during times of war or for jousting tournaments. This type of horse armor, known as bardings, typically consisted of metal plates or chainmail that were fastened onto the horse's body to shield it from attacks or projectiles. The purpose of barding was to offer increased protection and endurance to the horse and its rider, enhancing their chances of survival on the battlefield.
In the culinary world, barding involves the process of wrapping meat, usually lean cuts, with a layer of fat before cooking in order to keep it moist and add flavor. The fat used for barding can come from various sources such as bacon, salt pork, or other fatty cuts of meat. The barding process helps to prevent the meat from drying out during cooking, as the fat melts and bastes the meat, infusing it with succulence and richness.
Overall, barding is a versatile term that can pertain to either equine armor during the medieval period or a cooking technique involving the addition of fat to meat for enhanced flavor and moistness.
The word "barding" comes from the Old French term "barder", which originally referred to dressing or adorning an animal. It was derived from the Old Norse word "barð", meaning "armor" or "protection". Over time, the meaning of "barder" evolved to specifically refer to covering a horse or other animal with armor for protection in battle. Eventually, the word "barding" emerged in English to describe the practice of equipping horses with armor or protective covering.