four-in-hand

[ fawr-in-hand, fohr- ]

noun

1. a long necktie to be tied in a slipknot with the ends left hanging.
2. a vehicle drawn by four horses and driven by one person.
3. a team of four horses.

adjective

1. of or relating to a four-in-hand.

four-in-hand

noun

1. Also calledtally-ho a road vehicle drawn by four horses and driven by one driver
2. a four-horse team in a coach or carriage
3. a long narrow tie formerly worn tied in a flat slipknot with the ends dangling

Word History and Origins

Origin of four-in-hand¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

They come with a standard yellow four-in-hand and an American flag pin perched on his left lapel.

From The Daily Beast

Suddenly, there was a tremendous uproar and excitement, and I saw a four-in-hand drive up.

From Project Gutenberg

The couple and their waterman rowed away to the party they had left with the four-in-hand at their inn.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I wrapped it around my neck and tied it in a regular four-in-hand necktie knot.

From Project Gutenberg

I wished I could have picked him up and tied him in a four-in-hand knot around his own neck.

From Project Gutenberg

I started, as usual, by selecting an iron reinforcing bar and tying it into a four-in-hand around my neck.

From Project Gutenberg