A bear-leader was formerly a man who led bears about the country. In the Middle Ages and the Tudor period, these animals were chiefly used in the blood sport of bear-baiting and were led from village to village. Performing bears were also common; their keepers were generally Frenchmen or Italians. Later, the phrase "bear-leader" came colloquially to mean a tutor or guardian, who escorted any young man of rank or wealth on his travels. References Animal care occupations Animal welfare Baiting (blood sport) Bears Cruelty to animals Medieval occupations Sports occupations and roles Tudor England