mosey
[moh-zee]
- to wander or shuffle about leisurely; stroll; saunter (often followed by along, about, etc.).
- to leave quickly; decamp.
Show More
Origin of mosey
An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for mosey
Contemporary Examples
We mosey up to the massive, ornate wooden bar and take a seat.
Mosey had retained HoganWillig, the filing said, to pursue claims on behalf of the estate.
Historical Examples
If he's lively, it's betther to be that, than a mosey, any day.
Phelim O'toole's Courtship and Other StoriesWilliam Carleton
"I reckon I'll just mosey over to the desert," drawled the fidgety man.
Life at High TideVarious
Then he'll mosey down the hilltop to see if anything is on his trail.
The Black FawnJames Arthur Kjelgaard
It's up to you, to-morrow mornin', to mosey round an' see what you can see.
Moon-Face and Other StoriesJack London
Mrs. Mosey put her handkerchief in her pocket, and asserted her dignity.
I Say NoWilkie Collins
mosey
- informal (often foll by along or on) to walk in a leisurely manner; amble
Show More
Word Origin
C19: origin unknown
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 mosey
v.
1829, American English slang, of unknown origin, perhaps related to British dialectal mose about "go around in a dull, stupid way." Or perhaps from Spanish vamos (see vamoose). Related: Moseyed; moseying.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper