postboy

[pohst-boi]

noun

1. (formerly) a boy or man who rode post or carried mail.

2. a postilion.

postboy

/ ˈpəʊstˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a man or boy who brings the post round to offices

2. another name for postilion

Word History and Origins

Origin of postboy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; post ³ + boy

Example Sentences

Two dismally absurd persons, each ostentatiously exhibiting a crutch done up in a black bandage,—as if that instrument could possibly communicate any comfort to anybody,—were posted at the front door; and in one of them I recognised a postboy discharged from the Boar for turning a young couple into a sawpit on their bridal morning, in consequence of intoxication rendering it necessary for him to ride his horse clasped round the neck with both arms.

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Eugenius’s wit and affection brought blood into the cheek from whence it had been some months banish’d——’twas a vile moment to bid adieu in; he led me to my chaise——Allons! said I; the postboy gave a crack with his whip——off I went like a cannon, and in half a dozen bounds got into Dover.

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Six gentlemen upon the road, Thus seeing Gilpin fly, With postboy scampering in the rear, They raised the hue and cry:— "Stop thief! stop thief!—a highwayman!"

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But the postboy persisted gamely, the beast was driven in again, and, after hesitating awhile, snorting in the shallows, it went through with a rush, and plunged up the bank amid an avalanche of mud and stones.

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The grooms moved on also, while the leading postboy, standing up in his stirrups, scanned the current with evident misgiving.

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