post-boy
Definition
Noun: - A boy who delivers mail: A "post-boy" historically referred to a young male employed to carry and deliver letters or parcels, especially in the era before modern postal systems. - A postilion: In older usage, "post-boy" also denoted a postilion — a rider who guides a horse-drawn carriage, particularly one carrying mail or passengers.
Usage Examples
- (The young mail carrier travelled quickly to distribute correspondence.)
- (The postilion role was tied to mail transport.)
Advanced Usage
- "To be as fast as a post-boy": an archaic simile meaning to move quickly, akin to the speed expected of a mail carrier.
- He ran as fast as a post-boy through the crowded streets. (He moved with great urgency, like a mail carrier.)
Variants and Related Words
- Postilion (n): a person who rides the leading horse of a team drawing a coach or carriage, especially one carrying mail.
- The postilion guided the horses expertly along the muddy road. (The rider managed the team of horses.)
- Postman (n): a person who delivers mail (modern equivalent, though not always a boy).
- The postman left a package at the door. (The mail carrier delivered a parcel.)
Synonyms
- Mail carrier: a person who delivers mail.
- Courier: a messenger who transports letters or packages.
- Rider: a person who rides a horse, often for transport or delivery.
Related Idioms
- "Kill the post-boy": an old, humorous expression meaning to blame the messenger for bad news (similar to "shoot the messenger").
- Don't kill the post-boy — he only brought the letter. (Do not punish the carrier for the content of the message.)