tantivy

/tænˈtɪvi/

Etymology

A fox-hunting term, said to be from the note of a hunting horn.

Why this word is great

TANTIVY — [Adverb, Noun, Verb] At full gallop or speed; a rapid gallop or rush; to hurry off swiftly. Of uncertain origin, possibly imitative of the sound of a hunting horn or galloping horses. Unlike "gallop" (which describes a horse's gait) or "hasten" (which suggests mere acceleration), "tantivy" evokes the reckless abandon of pursuit—the thunder of hooves in a fox hunt, the blur of hedgerows as riders leap, the horn's cry sharpening the air. It is speed with a wild heart, the kind that leaves no room for second thoughts, only the mad, joyous certainty of forward motion.

adv

At full tilt“Fryar John began to paw, neigh and whinny at the Snout's end, as one ready to leap, or at least to play the Ass, and get up and ride tantivy to the Devil like a Beggar on Horseback.”

noun

A rapid gallop“a. 1658, John Cleveland, letter to a Parliament Officer at Grantham Sir , I expected to hear from you in the Language of the lost Groat , and the Prodigal Son , and not in such a Tantivy of Language”
The sound of a hunting horn in imitation of a galloping horse“Jack then placed himself on the opposite side of the pit, farthest from the giant’s lodging, and, just at the break of day, he put the horn to his mouth, and blew, Tantivy, Tantivy. This noise roused the giant.”

verb

To hurry off.