postilion

[ poh-stil-yuhn, po- ]

noun

1. a person who rides the left horse of the leading or only pair of horses drawing a carriage.

postilion

/ pɒˈstɪljən /

noun

1. a person who rides the near horse of the leaders in order to guide a team of horses drawing a coach

Other Words From

• pos·tilioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of postilion¹

1580–90; earlier postillon < Middle French < Italian postiglione, derivative of posta post ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of postilion¹

C16: from French postillon, from Italian postiglione, from posta post ³

Example Sentences

As the window dropped, Ripperda saw the wounded postilion fall on the neck of his horse.

From Project Gutenberg

But not so: the postilion was an actual baron, the bearer of an ancient name, the descendant of gallant gentlemen.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly a carriage came dashing up the hill, with four horses and a postilion.

From Project Gutenberg

He shouted to the postilion, and the huge, lumbering vehicle was set in motion.

From Project Gutenberg

M'Caskey made a bound on his seat, and threw his cigar through the window, while he shouted to the postilion to stop.

From Project Gutenberg