Caveson

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A noseband fitted around a horse's muzzle as part of the bridle to help control the animal's head
2. A strap or band that encircles a horse's nose and is attached to the bridle for improved steering and control
3. Equipment consisting of a fitted band around a horse's nose, used as part of the bridle system to guide and restrain the animal

Etymology: "Caveson" is a variant spelling of "cavesson," a term for a kind of horse halter with a noseband, used in training and handling horses. The word came into English from French "caveçon," which in turn descends from Italian "cavezzone," an augmentative form of "cavezza," meaning "halter." The augmentative ending gives the sense of a bigger or heavier version of the simpler halter. The Italian base "cavezza" is probably rooted in Latin "caput," meaning "head," which would make the word's core idea literally about the head that the halter fits around. Some scholars have instead proposed a Germanic origin, pointing to the Old English "cæfl," meaning "bit" or "muzzle," but the Latin connection is the more commonly suggested path.

Synonyms: cavesson