Hackney

See also hackney

English

Etymology

The senses "a horse" and "(a means of transport) available for hire" derive from the fact that many horses were kept in the London borough of Hackney, and were available for hire. The place name is from Old English Hacan ieg "Hacan's Isle" (or "Hook's Island"), referring to dry land in a marsh.

Proper noun

Hackney

  1. A London borough where once upon a time many horses were pastured.
  2. One of several breeds of compact English horses.
  3. An English habitational surname.
  4. (in compounds) (A means of transportation that is) available for public hire.

Related terms

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Last modified on 11 February 2013, at 16:38