Tantivy
Noun
- A rapid gallop or ride.
- (Exclamation) Used as a hunting cry.
Example Sentences
“The horse’s tantivy was as fast as thunder.”
“John’s daring nature was to run in a tantivy toward anything that suggested an adventure.”
“The cry of ‘tantivy!’ was as loud as a trumpet.”
Word Origin
Imitative, mid-17th century
Why this word?
There’s a famous English folk song from the late 18th century that starts, “Tantivy, tantivy, a hunting we will go!” Hunting in England at that time took place on horseback, and the “tantivy” at the start of the song was meant to mimic the sound of galloping. While it was originally a battle cry or hunting cry, the word can also be used as a noun, meaning “a rapid gallop or ride.” This usage of “tantivy” also comes from the sound of horses galloping.