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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • palfreyed adjective
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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
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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
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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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