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

When you are ready, I am—need I say with a Hey Ho Chivey, and likewise with a Hark Forward, Hark Forward, Tantivy?'

From Our Mutual Friend by Dickens, Charles

Littlebath, among the Tantivy hills, would be the very place for her.

From Miss Mackenzie by Trollope, Anthony

She had just sung "Tantivy" to him after supper, when she sailed up to Sam Winnington, and addressed him demurely:— "I have come to wish you good-night, sir."

From Girlhood and Womanhood The Story of some Fortunes and Misfortunes by Tytler, Sarah

His sons, if the world spoke truth, were Nimrods; but that was in another county, away from the Tantivy hills, and Mr Stumfold knew nothing of it.

From Miss Mackenzie by Trollope, Anthony

And yet, a four-in-hand of her type, as she now is, Tantivy coach thrown in for make-weight, are not worth one Patroclus for real saddle work, because she has no conception of moderate gaits.

From Patroclus and Penelope A Chat in the Saddle by Dodge, Theodore Ayrault