Definition

1. Noun:

   • A smooth three-beat gait of a horse: A pace that is faster than a trot but slower and more controlled than a gallop. It is characterized by a rocking motion and is comfortable for the rider.

2. Verb:

   • To ride a horse at a canter: To cause a horse to move at this specific, smooth gait.
   • To move at a canter: For a horse (or occasionally other four-legged animals) to travel using this gait.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The horse broke into a gentle canter around the track.
  • She enjoyed the rhythmic bounce of the canter.

• Verb:

  • He cantered the horse across the open field.
  • The horses cantered away from the starting gate.

Advanced Usage

• "To win at a canter" (Idiomatic): To win something very easily, without much effort or opposition.
  • The champion won the race at a canter, finishing several lengths ahead.

Variants and Related Words

• Cantering (present participle/gerund): The action of moving at a canter.
  • The sound of cantering hooves echoed in the distance.

Synonyms

• Noun: Lope (especially in American English, though a lope is often slightly slower and more relaxed).
• Verb: Lope.

Related Phrases

• To strike into a canter: To begin cantering.
  • The horse struck into a canter as they entered the meadow.
• To bring to a canter: To slow a horse from a gallop to a canter.
  • She brought her mount to a canter as they approached the gate.

Noun

1. a smooth three-beat gait; between a trot and a gallop

Verb

1. ride at a cantering pace
   • He cantered the horse across the meadow
2. go at a canter, of horses
3. ride at a canter
   • The men cantered away