n. [ OE. tabard, tabart; cf. Sp. & Pg. tabardo, It. tabarro, W. tabar, LGr. tampa`rion, LL. tabardum. ] A sort of tunic or mantle formerly worn for protection from the weather. When worn over the armor it was commonly emblazoned with the arms of the wearer, and from this the name was given to the garment adopted for heralds. [ Spelt also taberd. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

In a tabard he [ the Plowman ] rode upon a mare. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who wears a tabard. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A scholar on the foundation of Queen's College, Oxford, England, whose original dress was a tabard. Nares. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Tabby. ] A stout silk having satin stripes, -- used for furniture. [ 1913 Webster ]