palfrey

[ pawl-free ]

noun

, plural pal·freys.

1. a riding horse, as distinguished from a war horse.
2. a saddle horse particularly suitable for a woman.

palfrey

/ ˈpɔːlfrɪ /

noun

1. archaic.
   a light saddle horse, esp ridden by women

Other Words From

• palfreyed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palfrey¹

1200–50; Middle English palefrei < Old French < Late Latin paraverēdus post horse for byways, probably literally, spare horse, equivalent to Greek para- para- ¹ + Latin verēdus fast breed of horse < Gaulish < Celtic *woreidos (> Welsh gorwydd horse, charger), equivalent to *wo- under (< *upo-; hypo- ) + *reid-, base of Old Irish réidid (he) rides, réid level, smooth, easy, Welsh rhwydd easy; ride

Word History and Origins

Origin of palfrey¹

C12: from Old French palefrei, from Medieval Latin palafredus, from Late Latin paraverēdus, from Greek para beside + Latin verēdus light fleet horse, of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

According to Palfrey, Microsoft has donated between $100,000 and $150,000 to the Berkman Center for 2010.

From The Daily Beast

King Robert himself was riding in front of Sir Edward's division on a small palfrey, with only a battle-axe in hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Not even Messrs. Bancroft and Palfrey have thought it unworthy of their eloquent pages.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Palfrey observes, that "the death of the Protector is not so much as referred to in the public records of Massachusetts."

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Palfrey terms this attempt a "Presbyterian cabal," and calls its leaders "conspirators."

From Project Gutenberg

These eloquent words of Dr. Palfrey are very suggestive, and deserve to be carefully pondered by the reader.

From Project Gutenberg