palfrey

noun

pal·​frey ˈpȯl-frē 

plural palfreys

archaic

: a saddle horse other than a warhorse

especially : a lady's light easy-gaited horse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French palefrei, from Medieval Latin palafredus, from Late Latin paraveredus post-horse for secondary roads, from Greek para- beside, subsidiary + Late Latin veredus post-horse, from a Gaulish word akin to Welsh gorwydd horse; akin to Old Irish réidid he rides — more at para-, ride

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

palfrey

noun

pal·​frey ˈpȯl-frē 

plural palfreys

archaic

: a saddle horse that is not a war-horse