canter

¹

[kan-ter]

noun

1. an easy gallop.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to move or ride at a canter.

canter

²

[kan-ter]

noun

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

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

Origin of canter²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of canter¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Australia fly-half Faitala Moleka found turf between the hosts' back three with clever kicks and her forwards cantered into contact, refusing to be cowed by the Red Roses' record or reputation.

From BBC

This is a team that won the title at a 10-point canter last term and has been strengthened by a remarkable summer spending spree.

From BBC

You just have to look at what they did last season, and how they won the title at a canter.

From BBC

Tongue pinned Siraj lbw two balls later as they looked to wrap things up at a canter but Washington, on 17 from 23 balls when the ninth wicket fell, had other ideas.

From BBC