Synonyms for horse

Grammar : Noun

Spell : hawrs

Phonetic Transcription : hɔrs

Top 10 synonyms for horse

Other synonyms for the word horse

pony
steed

Définition of horse

Origin : Old English hors, from Proto-Germanic *hursa- (cf. Old Norse hross, Old Frisian hors, Middle Dutch ors, Dutch ros, Old High German hros, German Roß "horse"), of unknown origin, connected by some with PIE root *kurs-, source of Latin currere "to run" (see current (adj.)).
The usual Indo-European word is represented by Old English eoh, from PIE *ekwo- "horse" (see equine). In many other languages, as in English, this root has been lost in favor of synonyms, probably via superstitious taboo on uttering the name of an animal so important in Indo-European religion.
Used since at least late 14c. of various devices or appliances which suggest a horse (e.g. sawhorse). To ride a horse that was foaled of an acorn (1670s) was through early 19c. a way to say "be hanged from the gallows." Slang for heroin is first attested 1950. Horse latitudes first attested 1777, the name of unknown origin, despite much speculation. Dead horse as a figure for "something that has ceased to be useful" is attested from 1630s.
HORSEGODMOTHER, a large masculine wench; one whom it is difficult to rank among the purest and gentlest portion of the community. [John Trotter Brockett, "A Glossary of North Country Words," 1829]
The horse's mouth as a source of reliable information is from 1921, perhaps originally of racetrack tips, from the fact that a horse's age can be determined accurately by looking at its teeth. To swap horses while crossing the river (a bad idea) is from the American Civil War and appears to have been originally one of Abe Lincoln's stories. Horse and buggy meaning "old-fashioned" is recorded from 1926 slang, originally in reference to a "young lady out of date, with long hair." The proverbial gift horse was earlier given horse:
No man ought to looke a geuen hors in the mouth. [Heywood, 1546]
The modern form perhaps traces to Butler's "Hudibras" (1663), where the tight iambic tetrameter required a shorter phrase:
He ne'er consider'd it, as lothTo look a Gift-horse in the mouth.

noun equine species

Example sentences :

Their names often signified some quality of a horse; as Leucippus, a white horse, &c.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

Thoroughbred is the word for her, style and action, as the horse people say, perfect.
Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

I afterward sold their horse, and sent them the balance of the proceeds.
Extract from : « Harriet, The Moses of Her People » by Sarah H. Bradford

Just think of the Hippopotamus, the horse or "hippos" that lives in the rivers.
Extract from : « Ancient Man » by Hendrik Willem van Loon

Early this morning we continued on, Windich's horse scarcely able to walk.
Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest

My horse was completely knocked up, and I was glad to be able to give him a rest.
Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest

He was moving leisurely, keeping his horse at the cattle pony's lope.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

But as I gather it, after you shot Bill Dozier you simply sat on your horse and waited.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

A man who was kind to a horse could not be treacherous to a man, Andrew decided.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

And before the trapper could make a protest he had drawn back into the horse shed.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

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