Obs. [Corrupted from BARD2; perhaps confused with prec.] A covering for the breast and flanks of a war-horse, originally protective, but sometimes merely ornamental.
1566. Painter, Pal. Pleas., I. 50. Had furnished the horses of the chariot with brasen barbes.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., II. ii. 11. His loftie steed with golden sell And goodly gorgeous barbes.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. vii. 64. Great horse, whereof seauen-score had barbes, and caparisons armed with yron.
1630. Hayward, Edw. VI., 32. Their horses were naked without any barbs.
