tantivy

[ tan-tiv-ee ]

adverb

1. at full gallop:

   to ride tantivy.

adjective

1. swift; rapid.

noun

, plural tan·tiv·ies.

1. a gallop; rush.

interjection

1. (used as a hunting cry when the chase is at full speed.)

tantivy

/ tænˈtɪvɪ /

adverb

1. at full speed; rapidly

noun

1. -tivies a hunting cry, esp at full gallop

interjection

1. a hunting cry, esp at full gallop

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantivy¹

First recorded in 1635–45; origin uncertain; possibly onomatopoeic, representing the sound of horses galloping

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantivy¹

C17: perhaps imitative of galloping hooves

Example Sentences

You can hear the sound of someone running away in the drumming, a tantivy of hooves, death approaching.

From The New Yorker

“Perhaps he’s that Neevil! Tally-ho! Tantivy! Cut him off! Round him up! Keep it up! Hurrah!”

From Literature

And yet, a four-in-hand of her type, as she now is, Tantivy coach thrown in for make-weight, are not worth one Patroclus for real saddle work, because she has no conception of moderate gaits.

From Project Gutenberg

And you," she continued, turning ferociously on her husband, "swearing on the Lord's day like a drunken, raffling, God-forsaken Tantivy!

From Project Gutenberg

Tantivy! the four sweating bays, the leaders cantering, the wheelers trotting, the bars all taut, emerged from the crest of the steep Cop, and the Holyhead Mail, within a minute of its time, drew up before the door of the Lion, the Royal Arms shining bravely from its red panels.

From Project Gutenberg