hackneys

1 definition found

hackneys - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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     2. A horse or pony kept for hire.
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     3. A carriage kept for hire; a hack; a hackney coach.
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     4. A hired drudge; a hireling; a prostitute.
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