cantle

[ kan-tl ]

/ ˈkæn tl /

noun

the hind part of a saddle, usually curved upward.

a corner; piece; portion: a cantle of land.

Nearby words

Origin of cantle

1275–1325; Middle English cantel (< Anglo-French) < Medieval Latin cantellus, equivalent to Latin cant(us) (see cant²) + -ellus diminutive suffix

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cantle

The fugitive had flung himself far back against the cantle and sent Grey Molly at the slide.
The Seventh Man|Max Brand
These they have since been seen carrying, tied to the cantle of their saddles.
A Woman's Part in a Revolution|Natalie Harris Hammond
He was counsellor for some time to the queen who gave the cantle of Normandy, the so-called Pays de Caux, into his charge.
Woman under Monasticism|Lina Eckenstein
For answer Ridge gathered up the bridle reins, and placing his hands on pommel and cantle, sprang lightly into the saddle.
"Forward, March"|Kirk Munroe

They had gone perhaps four miles when Lone turned, resting a hand on the cantle of his saddle while he looked back at Swan.
The Quirt|B.M. Bower

British Dictionary definitions for cantle

cantle

/ (ˈkæntəl) /

noun

the back part of a saddle that slopes upwards

a slice; a broken-off piece

Word Origin for cantle

C14: from Old Northern French cantel, from cant corner; see cant ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cantle

cantle

early 14c., "a part, a portion," also "a section cut out of anything" (mid-15c.), from Old North French cantel "corner, piece" (Old French chantel, Modern French chanteau), from Medieval Latin cantellus, diminutive of cantus "corner" (see cant (n.2)).