Postilion (Noun)
Meaning
Someone who rides the near horse of a pair in order to guide the horses pulling a carriage (especially a carriage without a coachman).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The postilion expertly guided the horses as they galloped down the cobblestone street.
- In the 18th century, it was common for a postilion to wear a short coat with many buttons when riding in a pair of horses.
- To become a skilled postilion, one must have excellent balance, strong legs, and a gentle touch when guiding the horses.
- The role of the postilion in ancient times was also one of trust, as they were often tasked with delivering important messages between royal courts.
- The postilion leaned forward, urging the horses onward as they climbed the steep hill, the carriage swaying precariously behind them.