hackneying

1 definition found

hackneying - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Hackney \Hack"ney\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hackneyed (-n[i^]d);
     p. pr. & vb. n. Hackneying.]
     1. To devote to common or frequent use, as a horse or
        carriage; to wear out in common service; to make trite or
        commonplace; as, a hackneyed metaphor or quotation.
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              Had I so lavish of my presence been,
              So common-hackneyed in the eyes of men. --Shak.
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     2. To carry in a hackney coach. --Cowper.
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