tabard

noun

tab·​ard ˈta-bərd 

 also  -ˌbärd

: a short loose-fitting sleeveless or short-sleeved coat or cape: such as

a

: a tunic worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his arms

b

: a herald's official cape or coat emblazoned with his lord's arms

c

: a woman's sleeveless outer garment often with side slits

Illustration of tabard

• tabard b

Examples of tabard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was also a black tabard, which isn’t a million miles away from the first piece Trotter ever made: a tank top to wear to a Madonna concert with a rah-rah skirt. —Julia Hobbs, Vogue, 17 July 2024

Surrounding the minotaur on one side is an array of handmade military paraphernalia: shields, tabards, helmets, and weapons. —Max Olesker, Longreads, 13 July 2023

Could our mom sew him a tabard with a cowl? —WIRED, 2 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tabard

noun

tab·​ard ˈtab-ərd 

1

: a cloak worn by a knight over his armor and ornamented with his arms

2

: a herald's cape or coat ornamented with the lord's arms