Bearward definitions
| Word backwards | drawraeb |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "bearward" is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | bear-ward |
| Plural | The plural of the word "bearward" is "beardwards." |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (2) | e,a |
| Consonants (4) | b,r,w,d |
Bearward
A bearward was a medieval European servant who was responsible for taking care of and training bears for entertainment purposes. These bears were often used in bear-baiting contests or as part of traveling menageries that displayed exotic animals to the public.
Responsibilities
The bearward's main duties included feeding, grooming, and exercising the bears in their care. They were also responsible for training the animals to perform tricks or tasks that would amuse and entertain audiences. Additionally, bearwards had to ensure the safety of both the bears and the spectators during public performances.
Training
Training a bear was no easy task and required a great deal of patience and skill. Bearwards would use a combination of positive reinforcement and discipline to teach the animals to follow commands and perform specific behaviors. They had to form a strong bond with the bears to earn their trust and cooperation.
Decline
As attitudes towards animal welfare began to change and laws against animal cruelty were enacted, the practice of using bears for entertainment purposes fell out of favor. Bear-baiting was eventually banned in many countries, leading to the decline of the bearward profession.
Legacy
Despite its controversial nature, the history of the bearward serves as a reminder of the ways in which humans have interacted with animals throughout the centuries. Today, the role of the bearward is seen as a relic of a bygone era, but it remains an important part of medieval history and culture.
Bearward Examples
- The bearward led the bear through the town for the entertainment of the villagers.
- In medieval times, a bearward was responsible for the care and training of bears used in bear-baiting.
- The bearward's costume consisted of a long coat and hat adorned with bear claws and teeth.
- Children gathered around to watch the bearward feed the bears in the traveling menagerie.
- The bearward's assistant helped secure the chain around the bear's neck before the performance.
- During the Renaissance, bearwards often traveled from town to town with their performing bears.
- The bearward carefully trained the bear to perform tricks like standing on its hind legs.
- Some historical accounts depict the bearward as a colorful character in the medieval entertainment scene.
- The bearward's role extended beyond caring for the bear to engaging with the audience and collecting tips.
- Although controversial by today's standards, bear-baiting was a popular form of entertainment in bearwards' time.