swayback

[ swey-bak ]

noun

1. an excessive downward curvature of the spinal column in the dorsal region, especially of horses.

adjective

1. swaybacked.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swayback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; sway + back ¹

Example Sentences

In grade school, she’d ride her pony - a swayback named Ribbon - and hitch it outside the front door.

From Washington Times

He did not care to know the odds of a basset hound developing swayback, or by what process part of an earthworm could make itself whole.

From Literature

And I'll bet you an even $100 that I get one race out of that swayback, anyhow, before he's two years older.'

From Project Gutenberg

So I arose and deposited myself again and again on that old swayback but frolicsome wreck without waking.

From Project Gutenberg

Slitlike streets flowed with holiday copiousness, whole families abroad on foot—mothers swayback with babies, and older children who ran ahead shouting and jostling.

From Project Gutenberg