tantivy
Definition
Noun:
- A fast gallop or rush: "tantivy" refers to a rapid, headlong pace, especially of a horse at full speed.
- A hunting cry: Historically, it was used as a huntsman's shout to urge hounds or horses forward.
Adjective:
- Swift; rapid: Describes something moving at great speed.
Adverb:
- At full speed; headlong: Modifies an action to indicate it is done quickly and without restraint.
Verb (intransitive):
- To ride or rush at full speed: To move forward with great haste, like a horse galloping.
Usage Examples
- Noun: (A rapid, full-speed gallop.)
- Adjective: (Swift and forceful.)
- Adverb: (At full speed; headlong.)
- Verb: (Rushed at full speed.)
Advanced Usage
"To go tantivy": to move or proceed with great speed and force.
- The storm went tantivy across the plains, uprooting trees. (The storm moved violently and swiftly.)
"Tantivy" as a hunting call: In traditional British fox hunting, the cry "Tantivy!" was used to signal a fast chase.
- The master shouted "Tantivy!" as the hounds broke cover. (The command to pursue at full speed.)
Variants and Related Words
Tantivy-tantivy (interjection): An exclamation urging speed, often repeated for emphasis.
- "Tantivy-tantivy!" cried the huntsman, spurring his horse. (A repeated cry for haste.)
Tantiviness (noun, rare): The quality of being swift or headlong.
- The tantiviness of their retreat surprised the defenders. (The extreme speed of their withdrawal.)
Synonyms
- Gallop: a fast, bounding pace of a horse.
- Headlong: done with reckless speed.
- Rush: a sudden, rapid movement forward.
Phrasal Verbs
- (None common. The word is primarily used as a noun, adjective, adverb, or intransitive verb, not in phrasal verb constructions.)
Related Idioms
"At a tantivy": moving at a furious pace.
- The messenger arrived at a tantivy, covered in dust. (He came at a very fast gallop.)
"Tantivy and away": an expression indicating a swift departure or escape.
- The thief took off tantivy and away into the night. (He fled at top speed.)