tantivy

American  

[tan-tiv-ee] / tænˈtɪv i /

adverb

1. at full gallop.

   to ride tantivy.

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adjective

1. swift; rapid.

noun

• tantivies
  plural

1. a gallop; rush.

interjection

1. (used as a hunting cry when the chase is at full speed.)

tantivy British  

/ tænˈtɪvɪ /

adverb

1. at full speed; rapidly

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noun

1. a hunting cry, esp at full gallop

interjection

1. a hunting cry, esp at full gallop

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tantivies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tantivy

First recorded in 1635–45; origin uncertain; possibly onomatopoeic, representing the sound of horses galloping

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tantivy

Though gratifying to note that underclassmen Moran and confreres acquired the King's English tantivy, it is regrettable that the realm's manners apparently come tardigrade.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the common-room one day sat as merry a company of carousers as ever gladdened the soul of an old tantivy boy.

From The Tavern Knight by Rafael Sabatini

Another rides tantivy, or full trot, To show much gravity he matters not.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by John Bunyan

From the supper-party comes the sound of an abortive chorus: "With a hey ho, chivy, hark forrard, hark forrard, tantivy!"

From The Fugitive by John Galsworthy

And I'll post after you to matrimony; I have laid a fresh parson at the next stage, that shall carry me tantivy.

From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02 by Sir Walter Scott