E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ba’yard.
A horse of incredible swiftness, belonging to the four sons of Ay’mon. If only one of the sons mounted, the horse was of the ordinary size; but if all four mounted, his body became elongated to the requisite length. The name is used for any valuable or wonderful horse, and means a “high-bay” (bay-ard). (Villeneuve: Les Quatre-Filz Aymon.) (See HORSE.)
1
Keep Bayard in the stable, i.e. keep what is of value under lock and key. (See above.)
2
Bold as Blind Bayard. Foolhardy. If a blind horse leaps, the chance is he will fall into a ditch. Grose mentions the following expression, To ride bayard of ten toes—“Going by the marrow-bone stage”—i.e. walking.
