The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bard \Bard\, Barde \Barde\ (b[aum]rd), n. [F. barde, of doubtful
   origin.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. A piece of defensive (or, sometimes, ornamental) armor for
      a horse's neck, breast, and flanks; a barb. [Often in the
      pl.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. pl. Defensive armor formerly worn by a man at arms.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Cookery) A thin slice of fat bacon used to cover any meat
      or game.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

barde
    v 1: put a caparison on; "caparison the horses for the festive
         occasion" [syn: caparison, bard, barde, dress up]