horse marine

American  

noun

1. (formerly) a marine mounted on horseback or a cavalryman doing duty on shipboard.

2. a person out of their proper or natural place.

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horse marine British  

noun

1. (formerly) a mounted marine or cavalryman serving in a ship

2. someone out of his natural element, as if a member of an imaginary body of marine cavalry

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Etymology

Origin of horse marine

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Caught by ice the Nadeshda wintered under shelter of this rock, while the Admiral became a horse marine and mounted a saddle for a ride of four hundred miles.

From Overland through Asia; Pictures of Siberian, Chinese, and Tartar Life by Knox, Thomas Wallace

"Dr. May!" cried the indignant voice of Hector Ernescliffe, as his honest Scottish face flushed like a turkey cock, "I assure you that Alan rides like—" "Like a horse marine," said Norman.

From The Daisy chain, or Aspirations by Yonge, Charlotte Mary