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Glite Dictionary
palfrey

palfrey

1 9.9
A small gentle riding horse often used by women in the Middle Ages
  • noun
  • /ˈpælfrɪ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : palfrey
  • Bishop Saltmarsh gave the palfrey's reins to the Welsh woman, taking charge of the horse-litter.

Examples

  • Then he let his palfrey graze nearby... ...and he feasted with the lady, who gave him loving looks... ...sweeter than the wine from the flagon, though the wine was sweet and strong.

    The Bad Seed (1956)

  • Here she had to dismount and lead the palfrey.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • In the first blush of morning, she came riding out of the wood on her palfrey, headed past the upper bailey.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • Edmund had a palfrey saddled, personally escorting her to the main gate.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • The path beneath her palfrey's hooves thinned and narrowed, turning into a game trail.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • As she rode through the forest, she felt a sense of freedom on her palfrey.

  • In medieval times, wealthy women often preferred to ride a palfrey for its gentle nature.

  • The noblewoman chose her elegant palfrey for the day's festival in the village.

Synonyms

saddle horse
vspalfrey
1 4.2

A horse kept for riding rather than for work

is a light riding horse typically associated with women in medieval society
jennet
vspalfrey
  • Archaic
9.9

A small Spanish horse used for riding in the past

is a general light riding horse often used by women in medieval times
cobb
vspalfrey
  • UK
8.6

A small strong horse often used for riding or light work

is lighter and meant mainly for comfortable riding by women historically

Surface Forms

palfrey singular
palfreys plural

Etymology

Palfrey comes from the Old French palefrei, which meant 'a gentle riding horse' used for travel rather than for battle. So a palfrey today is a light, comfortable horse prized for a smooth, easy ride.