What does 'barding' mean in cooking terminology?

Barding in cooking refers specifically to the technique of wrapping meat, particularly lean cuts, in a layer of fat, such as bacon or pork fat. This practice serves multiple purposes: it helps to keep the meat moist during cooking, adds flavor, and can enhance the visual appeal of the dish. Lean meats, by their nature, have little fat, which can lead to dryness. By barding, the fat renders during the cooking process, basting the meat and creating a juicier final product.

The other options do not align with the definition of barding. Cooking vegetables pertains to the preparation method but does not involve wrapping meats. Serving with sauce is about the presentation and finishing of a dish rather than a cooking technique. Roasting over an open flame describes a specific cooking method but does not relate to the inclusion of fat in the preparation of meat. Thus, wrapping meat with fat is indeed the accurate definition of barding.