jennet

[ jen-it ]

noun

1. a female donkey; a jenny donkey.
2. Also called Spanish jennet,. a small Spanish horse of the Middle Ages, prized as an ideal riding horse for nobility and light cavalry: now considered an extinct type, it was the progenitor of various modern breeds, most notably the Spanish jennet horse .

jennet

/ ˈdʒɛnɪt /

noun

1. Also calledjenny a female donkey or ass
2. a small Spanish riding horse

Word History and Origins

Origin of jennet¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French genet, from Catalan, variant of ginet “horse of the Zenete kind,” from Spanish Arabic zinētī, dialectal variant of zanātī “pertaining to the Zenete tribe (of Berbers),” after Zanātah “the Zenetes”

Word History and Origins

Origin of jennet¹

C15: from Old French genet, from Catalan ginet, horse of the type used by the Zenete, from Arabic Zanātah the Zenete, a Moorish people renowned for their horsemanship

Example Sentences

Of both portions Jennet and Ellen partook, and would have had Grace join them in the ghoul-like repast, but she refused.

From Project Gutenberg

One matchless Spanish jennet I despatched to my promised bride; its caparisons flamed with jewels and cloth of gold.

From Project Gutenberg

I think he hath better reason to speak well of his own horse than the king's roan jennet.

From Project Gutenberg

"Forbear," cried Robin, waving his dagger so soon as the man made attempt to take his mother's jennet by the bridle.

From Project Gutenberg

However, knowing that presently they must espy his jennet tethered by the road, Robin became desperate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• burro
• horse
• mule