palfrey

American  

[pawl-free] / ˈpɔl fri /

noun

plural

palfreys

1. a riding horse, as distinguished from a war horse.

2. a saddle horse particularly suitable for a woman.

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palfrey British  

/ ˈpɔːlfrɪ /

noun

1. archaic a light saddle horse, esp ridden by women

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Other Word Forms

• palfreyed adjective

Etymology

Origin of palfrey

1200–50; Middle English palefrei < Old French < Late Latin paraverēdus post horse for byways, probably literally, spare horse, equivalent to Greek para- para- ¹ + Latin verēdus fast breed of horse < Gaulish < Celtic *woreidos (> Welsh gorwydd horse, charger), equivalent to *wo- under (< *upo-; cf. hypo-) + *reid-, base of Old Irish réidid (he) rides, réid level, smooth, easy, Welsh rhwydd easy; see ride

Example Sentences

The huntsman, drawn in a simple wagon by a white palfrey, has concealed himself and the wagon behind leaves and branches.

From Time Magazine Archive

The queen Jerked on her reins and wheeled her palfrey around.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

By the time he reached the stable, Dolorous Edd had the lord commander’s palfrey saddled and bridled and waiting for him.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

In the forest of the apple tree, indeed at the very foot of the tree itself, he came across a lady riding a white palfrey.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

King Joffrey followed on a tall grey palfrey, a golden crown set upon his golden curls.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin