tantivy adverb, noun, adjective, interjection, & verb. [tan'tɪvi] M17.
[Prob. imit. of the sound of galloping horses. Later infl. by TANTARA: cf. TIVY.]
A. adverb. At full gallop; swiftly; headlong. Now rare or obsolete. M17.
b. noun.
1. A rapid gallop or ride; a headlong rush. arch. M17.

2. Hist. [from a contemporary caricature in which a number of High Church clergymen were represented as mounted on the Church of England and 'riding tantivy' to Rome.] A post-Restoration High Churchman or Tory, esp. in the reigns of Charles II and James II. L17.

3. A blast or flourish on a horn, esp. a post-horn or hunting horn. arch. L18.
C. attrib. or as adjective. That rides very swiftly, rushing headlong, swift (arch.); Hist. designating or pertaining to the post-Restoration High Church or Tory party (see sense B.2 above). L17.
D. interjection. Repr. the sound of galloping hoofs or feet, or the sound of a horn, esp. a post-horn or hunting horn. Cf. TIVY interjection. arch. L17.
E. verb intrans. Ride full tilt; hurry away. rare. L17-L18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲