The Collaborative International Dictionary
taberd
Tabard \Tab"ard\, n. [OE. tabard, tabart; cf. Sp. & Pg. tabardo, It. tabarro, W. tabar, LGr. ?, 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.]
In a tabard he [the Plowman] rode upon a mare.
--Chaucer.