The owner or keeper of a bear used for performing tricks or taking part in shows of bear-baiting. The bearward was itinerant, as were most entertainers, setting up at fairs and other occasions when people gathered with some money to spend. The Latin term was ursinarius. [< OldEngl. bera = a bear; Lat. ursus = bear]
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.