horse-cover
Definition
- Noun: A cloth or covering used to drape over a horse, typically for warmth, protection, or decorative purposes. It is often placed on the horse's back and may extend to cover the sides.
Usage Examples
- (A cloth used to keep the horse warm.)
- (A decorative covering for aesthetic display.)
Advanced Usage
"to put a horse-cover on": to dress or protect a horse with a covering.
- Before the cold night, the groom put a thick horse-cover on the pony. (To provide warmth using a cover.)
"horse-cover for show": a cover used specifically for exhibition or ceremonial purposes, often richly decorated.
- The knight's horse-cover bore the family crest for the tournament. (A decorative cloth for formal events.)
Variants and Related Words
Horsecloth (n): a synonym for horse-cover, especially a coarse or plain cloth used for protection.
- The farmer used a simple horsecloth to shield the animal from rain. (A plain protective covering.)
Saddlecloth (n): a cloth placed directly under a saddle, distinct from a full horse-cover.
- The saddlecloth was padded for the horse's comfort. (A smaller cloth under the saddle.)
Synonyms
- Caparison: an ornamental covering for a horse, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts.
- Housing: a protective or decorative covering for a horse, especially in medieval armour.
Related Idioms
"Horse-cover diplomacy": a rare, metaphorical phrase implying the use of superficial or decorative measures to conceal underlying issues.
- The treaty was just horse-cover diplomacy, hiding deep disagreements. (A superficial cover for problems.)
"Under the horse-cover": a figurative expression meaning hidden or concealed, like something placed beneath a covering.
- The true cost of the project remained under the horse-cover for months. (Kept out of sight or undisclosed.)