postilion

noun

pos·​til·​ion pō-ˈstil-yən How to pronounce postilion (audio)
pə-
variants or postillion
: one who rides as a guide on the near horse of one of the pairs attached to a coach or post chaise especially without a coachman

Word History

Etymology

Middle French postillon mail carrier using post-horses, from Italian postiglione, from posta post — more at post entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postilion was circa 1640

Dictionary Entries Near postilion

Cite this Entry

“Postilion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postilion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

postilion

noun
pos·​til·​ion
variants or postillion
: a person who rides as a guide on the left-hand horse of a pair drawing a coach
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