packhorse

American  

[pak-hawrs] / ˈpækˌhɔrs /

noun

1. a horse used for carrying goods, freight, supplies, etc.

2. a person who works hard or bears a heavy load of responsibility.

---

packhorse British  

/ ˈpækˌhɔːs /

noun

1. a horse used to transport goods, equipment, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of packhorse

pack ¹ + horse

Explanation

A large animal that's used to help carry goods is known as a packhorse. In the 19th century, North American gold prospectors used packhorses to carry their supplies over difficult terrain. It may seem obvious that a packhorse is a type of horse (clearly, one that carries a pack loaded with goods) — in fact, you can also describe a mule, pony, or donkey as a packhorse. Most of these working animals haul supplies in bags that hang down along both sides of their bodies. Packhorses have played an important part through history, accompanying explorers, traders, and anyone without access to a vehicle or a paved road.

Example Sentences

He hiked in with a packhorse or employed helpers to haul his gear on their backs.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2023

And in Northern England, falling water levels at Baitings Reservoir have revealed an ancient packhorse bridge.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2022

When it owned robotics firm Boston Dynamics, the company was attempting to make a robotic packhorse for ground troops, which was ultimately rejected by the US marines because it was too noisy.

From The Guardian • Mar. 7, 2018

Don’t miss the incredible photo gallery of packhorse librarians at the start of the piece.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2017

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the packhorse tied to Con’s saddle tear free from his lead rope, fleeing into the trees.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo