What does crownpiece mean?
A crownpiece is a component of a horse's bridle: the strap that arches over the top of the animal's head, resting just behind the ears. It serves as the anchor point from which much of the bridle hangs, joining with the cheekpieces on either side and helping to keep the bit and noseband properly positioned. Because it bears the weight and alignment of the whole arrangement, riders and saddlers pay close attention to how well a crownpiece fits — one set too high can rub against the ears, while one too low can press awkwardly on the skull. The word also has an older, less common sense denoting the crown or top of a person's or animal's head, which reflects its literal derivation from 'crown'. Today it appears almost exclusively in equestrian writing, tack catalogues, and saddlery manuals, making it a specialised but precise term for anyone working with horses.
The strap of a bridle that passes over the top of a horse's head just behind the ears, holding the bridle in position.
"The crownpiece was padded with soft leather to prevent chafing."
Standard term in equestrian contexts; sometimes written as two words, 'crown piece'.
The crown or top part of the head.
"A stray lock of hair curled down over her crownpiece."
Less common and somewhat dated than the bridle sense.
Regularly pluralised when referring to multiple bridles or straps; also written as 'crown pieces' when the compound is split.
"The tack shop stocked crownpieces in three different widths."
Every time you bridle a horse, you're literally crowning it — the strap behind its ears is called the crownpiece.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crownpiece
Crownpiece combines 'crown', from Old French 'couronne' and ultimately Latin 'corona' meaning garland or wreath, with 'piece', from Old French 'piece' denoting a part or portion. The name arose because the strap passes over the crown of the horse's head. The compound emerged in English saddlery terminology, likely by the early modern period as riding equipment became standardised, and cognates of the root appear in words such as 'coronation' and 'corolla'.
How crownpiece is actually used
Primarily used in equestrian and saddlery contexts, where it names the uppermost strap of a bridle. The sense referring to the top of the head is rarer and somewhat dated. Also commonly written as 'crown piece' as two words in some saddlery literature.
Easily confused with crownpiece
A crown is a royal headpiece worn as a symbol of monarchy, whereas a crownpiece is specifically the upper strap of a horse's bridle (or the top of the head).