Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rash or impetuous person: "Hotspur" refers to an individual who acts hastily, without careful thought, driven by passion or a quick temper.
   • Historical figure: Specifically, "Hotspur" is the nickname for Sir Henry Percy, an English nobleman and soldier who led a rebellion against King Henry IV and was killed in 1403.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Impetuous person):

  • He was a real hotspur in his youth, always rushing into arguments without thinking.
  • Don't be such a hotspur; take a moment to consider the consequences before you act.

• Noun (Historical figure):

  • The character of Hotspur in Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 1" is based on the historical rebel.
  • The rebellion led by Hotspur against the king was a significant event in English history.

Advanced Usage

• As a proper noun: When capitalized, "Hotspur" almost exclusively refers to the historical figure Sir Henry Percy or things named after him (e.g., sports teams).
  • Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is named after the historical figure.

Variants and Related Words

• Hotspurred (adj, archaic): Having the qualities of a hotspur; rash or impetuous.
  • His hotspurred nature often got him into trouble.

Synonyms

• Firebrand: A person who is passionate and stirs up trouble or change.
• Hothead: A person who acts impulsively and is easily angered.
• Reckless person: Someone who acts without caution.

Antonyms

• Cautious person: Someone who acts carefully to avoid risks.
• Prudent individual: A person who shows care and thought for the future.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have a hotspur temper: To be easily provoked into rash action.
  • He needs to control that hotspur temper of his.

Noun

1. a rash or impetuous person
2. English soldier killed in a rebellion against Henry IV (1364-1403)