Barouche vs. Carriage — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
A barouche is a type of carriage with a collapsible hood, designed for elegance and leisure, while a carriage is a broader category of horse-drawn vehicles used for transport.
Difference Between Barouche and Carriage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A barouche is distinguished by its four wheels and two rows of seats facing each other, suitable for open-air rides in good weather, thanks to its collapsible hood. On the other hand, a carriage refers to a wide range of horse-drawn vehicles, including enclosed and open designs, used for various purposes from everyday transport to ceremonial occasions.
While the barouche is specifically designed for leisurely travel, often seen in parades and during the 19th century in social outings, carriages serve a broader purpose, including daily commutes, cargo transport, and special events, making them more versatile in function.
Barouches are known for their elegance and were a symbol of wealth and status among the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Conversely, carriages can range from simple, functional designs for everyday use to luxurious versions for the elite, reflecting a wider spectrum of social standings.
The barouche's design, with a foldable hood to allow passengers to enjoy good weather while offering protection if needed, contrasts with many carriages that have fixed structures, offering constant protection and privacy but less flexibility in terms of open-air experience.
Despite their differences, both barouches and other forms of carriages played crucial roles in historical transportation, offering insights into social customs, technological advancements, and the evolution of vehicles before the advent of the automobile.
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Comparison Chart
Design
Four wheels, two rows of seats facing each other, collapsible hood
Varies widely, from enclosed coaches to open buggies
Purpose
Leisure and display of wealth, primarily in good weather
Broad, including transport of people and goods, and ceremonial use
Status Symbol
High, associated with aristocracy
Ranges from simple, practical vehicles to luxurious conveyances
Versatility
Limited to fair weather and social outings
Highly versatile, used in a variety of settings and purposes
Historical Use
Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries for leisurely rides
Used throughout history for everyday transport and special occasions
Compare with Definitions
Barouche
Requires two horses to pull due to its size and weight.
Their barouche, drawn by a pair of thoroughbreds, was a sight to behold.
Carriage
Served as a primary means of transport in the past.
Before trains and cars, people traveled long distances in carriages.
Barouche
Associated with the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The barouche was a symbol of the family's high social standing.
Carriage
Reflects a wide spectrum of social status.
While the wealthy rode in lavish carriages, ordinary citizens used more modest versions.
Barouche
A type of luxury carriage with a collapsible hood, four wheels, and seating for four passengers.
The noble family arrived at the garden party in an elegant barouche.
Carriage
Can be enclosed or open, varying in design and purpose.
Their farm used a simple open carriage for transporting goods to market.
Barouche
Designed for leisure and showing off in good weather.
They used the barouche for a leisurely ride through the countryside.
Carriage
A general term for horse-drawn vehicles used for transport.
The streets were filled with carriages before the advent of cars.
Barouche
Often used in parades and public outings.
The mayor's barouche led the annual parade through the town.
Carriage
Ranges from utilitarian to luxurious designs.
The royal carriage, adorned with gold, was prepared for the coronation.
Barouche
A barouche is a large, open, four-wheeled carriage, both heavy and luxurious, drawn by two horses. It was fashionable throughout the 19th century.
Carriage
A carriage is a private four-wheeled vehicle for people and is most commonly horse-drawn. Second-hand private carriages were common public transport, the equivalent of modern cars used as taxis.
Barouche
A four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a collapsible hood over the rear half, a seat in front for the driver, and seats facing each other for the passengers.
Carriage
A wheeled vehicle, especially a four-wheeled horse-drawn passenger vehicle, often of an elegant design.
Barouche
A four-wheeled carriage with a collapsible top, two double seats inside facing each other, and a box seat outside in front for the driver.
Carriage
Chiefly British A railroad passenger car.
Barouche
A four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with collapsible half-hood, two double seats facing each other, and an outside seat for the driver.
Carriage
A baby carriage.
Barouche
A four-wheeled carriage, with a falling top, a seat on the outside for the driver, and two double seats on the inside arranged so that the sitters on the front seat face those on the back seat.
Carriage
A wheeled support or frame for carrying a heavy object, such as a cannon.
Barouche
A horse-drawn carriage having four wheels; has an outside seat for the driver and facing inside seats for two couples and a folding top
Carriage
A moving part of a machine for holding or shifting another part
The carriage of a typewriter.
Carriage
The act or process of transporting or carrying.
Carriage
(kărē-ĭj) The cost of or the charge for transporting.
Carriage
The manner of holding and moving one's head and body; bearing.
Carriage
(Archaic) Management; administration.
Carriage
The act of conveying; carrying.
Carriage
Means of conveyance.
Carriage
A (mostly four-wheeled) lighter vehicle chiefly designed to transport people, generally drawn by horse power.
The carriage ride was very romantic.
Carriage
A railroad car
Carriage
The manner or posture in which one holds or positions a body part, such as one's arm or head.
The runner has a very low arm carriage.
Carriage
A manner of walking and moving in general; how one carries oneself, bearing, gait.
Carriage
(archaic) One's behaviour, or way of conducting oneself towards others.
Carriage
The part of a typewriter supporting the paper.
Carriage
A shopping cart.
Carriage
(British) A stroller; a baby carriage.
Carriage
The charge made for conveying (especially in the phrases carriage forward, when the charge is to be paid by the receiver, and carriage paid).
Carriage
(archaic) That which is carried, baggage
Carriage
That which is carried; burden; baggage.
David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage.
And after those days we took up our carriages and went up to Jerusalem.
Carriage
The act of carrying, transporting, or conveying.
Nine days employed in carriage.
Carriage
The price or expense of carrying.
Carriage
That which carries of conveys,
Carriage
The manner of carrying one's self; behavior; bearing; deportment; personal manners.
His gallant carriage all the rest did grace.
Carriage
The act or manner of conducting measures or projects; management.
The passage and whole carriage of this action.
Carriage
A railcar where passengers ride
Carriage
A vehicle with four wheels drawn by two or more horses
Carriage
Characteristic way of bearing one's body;
Stood with good posture
Carriage
A machine part that carries something else
Carriage
A small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
Common Curiosities
Can a barouche be used in bad weather?
It's not ideal due to its open design, but the collapsible hood offers some protection.
Were carriages only used by the wealthy?
No, carriages varied widely, from simple versions for the general populace to luxurious ones for the elite.
Were carriages an important part of social life in the past?
Absolutely, they were integral to transportation, social status, and even public and private life across various cultures.
Is there a difference in the level of comfort between a barouche and a carriage?
Yes, barouches were designed for comfort and leisure, while other carriages might prioritize utility over comfort.
Are barouches still used today?
They are rare and mostly seen in historical reenactments or as collector's items.
How did the design of a carriage affect its use?
Design determined its function, from simple, open carriages for everyday use to elaborate, enclosed designs for special occasions.
What distinguishes a barouche from other carriages?
Its collapsible hood and specific design for leisure and display of wealth.
What was the primary purpose of a carriage?
To transport people and sometimes goods, serving as the main form of vehicular transport before automobiles.
How many horses are needed to pull a barouche?
Typically, two horses are needed due to its size and weight.
Can modern vehicles be considered carriages?
In a broad sense, yes, as they serve similar purposes of transport, but they are technologically and functionally different.
How has the use of carriages evolved over time?
They went from being primary modes of transport to being ceremonial or nostalgic vehicles with the advent of automobiles.
Were there specific occasions for using a barouche?
Yes, they were often used for social outings, parades, and showing off during favorable weather conditions.
How are historical carriages preserved today?
Many are kept in museums, private collections, and are sometimes restored for historical reenactments or display.
How did people keep warm in open carriages like barouches during cooler weather?
They used blankets and heavy clothing, but the open design limited their use in cold weather.
What materials were used in the construction of carriages?
Wood, metal, and leather were commonly used, with variations depending on the carriage's purpose and luxury.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
