bayard
|bay-ard|
🇺🇸
/ˈbeɪ.ərd/
🇬🇧
/ˈbeɪ.əd/
bay-colored horse; legendary steed
Etymology
'bayard' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baiart' or 'bayart', where the root 'bai' (from Late Latin 'badius') meant 'bay, chestnut-colored'.
'bayard' changed from Old French 'baiart', appearing in medieval chansons de geste as the name of a miraculous horse, was borrowed into Middle English as 'Bayard', and eventually persisted in modern English as 'bayard' (both as a common noun and a proper name).
Initially, it meant 'a bay-colored horse'; over time it evolved into the specific legendary name of a magical horse and into a surname or poetic term for a steed.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a legendary magical bay horse in medieval French romances (notably the horse named Bayard in chansons de geste); famed for extraordinary strength and abilities.
In the old tale, bayard carried all four brothers on its back and escaped their pursuers.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an archaic or poetic term for a bay-colored horse (a horse with a reddish-brown body and black mane, tail, and lower legs).
He rode a noble bayard across the plain at dawn.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 07:36