Hackneys

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Hackney \Hack"ney\ (-n[y^]), n.; pl. {Hackneys} (-n[i^]z). [OE.
     hakeney, hakenay; cf. F. haguen['e]e a pacing horse, an
     ambling nag, OF. also haquen['e]e, Sp. hacanea, OSp. facanea,
     D. hakkenei, also OF. haque horse, Sp. haca, OSp. faca; perh.
     akin to E. hack to cut, and nag, and orig. meaning, a jolting
     horse. Cf. {Hack} a horse, {Nag}.]


     1. A horse for riding or driving; a nag; a pony. --Chaucer.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A horse or pony kept for hire.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A carriage kept for hire; a hack; a hackney coach.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A hired drudge; a hireling; a prostitute.
        [1913 Webster]