BARD (2)

{ Bard, Barde } (bärd), n. [[F. barde, of doubtful origin.]] 1. 1. A piece of defensive (or, sometimes, ornamental) armor for a horse's neck, breast, and flanks; a barb. [Often in the pl.]
2. 2. pl. Defensive armor formerly worn by a man at arms.
3. 3. (Cookery) A thin slice of fat bacon used to cover any meat or game.