canter

¹

[kan-ter]

noun

1. a person who is much given to the use of cant.

canter

²

[kan-ter]

noun

1. an easy gallop.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to move or ride at a canter.

canter

/ ˈkæntə /

noun

1. an easy three-beat gait of horses, etc, between a trot and a gallop in speed

2. easily; without effort

   he won at a canter

verb

1. to move or cause to move at a canter

Word History and Origins

Origin of canter¹

First recorded in 1870–75; cant ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of canter²

First recorded in 1745–55; short for Canterbury to ride at a pace like that of Canterbury pilgrims

Word History and Origins

Origin of canter¹

C18: short for Canterbury trot, the supposed pace at which pilgrims rode to Canterbury

Example Sentences

Although there were a few opportunities passed up, when Dempsey cantered over from outside the 22m to score untouched, it was deserved.

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A nicely worked move sent Andrew Kellaway running through the Japan defence and he fed Flook to canter over the line.

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Salah was Liverpool's top scorer with 29 goals last season and also contributed 18 assists as they cantered to the Premier League title.

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For a team that cantered to the league title last season, Liverpool suddenly look vulnerable at the back, lethargic in midfield and toothless in attack.

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They would have revealed that the past five Ryder Cups have been won at a canter by the home side, with margins of five, 10, seven, six and five points.

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