POST HORSE Meaning and
Definition
-
A "post horse" refers to a horse that was used in the system of postal transportation in early Europe and America. In the days before modern postal systems, when communication between towns and cities relied on physical delivery, the post horse played a crucial role in ensuring the timely and efficient transportation of mail and other important documents.
The post horse was typically a strong and well-trained equine, selected for its speed, endurance, and reliability. These horses were stationed at regular intervals along a designated route, known as a postal road or post route. Riders would mount a fresh horse at each station, allowing for a continuous and swift journey.
The use of post horses was an integral part of the postal service infrastructure, enabling messages and mail to travel long distances in a shorter period, compared to relying solely on human messengers or regular horses. This method greatly facilitated the speed and efficiency of communication, especially during times of urgent matters like military dispatches or important government correspondence.
Moreover, post horses were also instrumental in the establishment of trade routes and economic development. With faster and more reliable transportation options, trade and commerce flourished as merchants were able to ship goods more efficiently and communicate more effectively with business partners in different towns or regions.
However, with the advent of modern transportation systems, including railways and motor vehicles, the use of post horses became obsolete. The term "post horse" now primarily serves as a historical reference to an essential part of past postal systems, highlighting their significance in shaping communication and transportation networks of bygone eras.
Common Misspellings for POST HORSE
- oost horse
- lost horse
- -ost horse
- 0ost horse
- pist horse
- pkst horse
- plst horse
- ppst horse
- p0st horse
- p9st horse
- poat horse
- pozt horse
- poxt horse
- podt horse
- poet horse
- powt horse
- posr horse
- posf horse
- posg horse
Etymology of POST HORSE
The term "post horse" originated in the 16th century and is composed of two parts: "post" and "horse".
The word "post" derives from the Latin word "positus", which means "placed" or "put". In Ancient Rome, "positus" referred to a place where messengers would change horses along their route. Later on, during the Middle Ages, the concept of a "post" evolved to signify a system of regular mail delivery, often conducted by mounted messengers.
The word "horse" originates from the Old English word "hors", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hursaz". This word, in turn, is thought to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kursos", meaning "run" or "course". "Hors" specifically refers to the animal used for transportation or riding.
Similar spelling words for POST HORSE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
