hackney
/ˈhækni/
NOUN
1. An ordinary or hired horse
A horse, especially one used for ordinary riding, driving, or public hire rather than for specialized breeding or racing.
1.1. Horse used for riding or driving
A horse kept for general riding or driving purposes, rather than for specialized work or competition.
Synonyms
- riding horse
- saddle horse
- mount
- hack
Examples
- The traveler hired a hackney for a journey through the countryside.
- A well-trained hackney was used for daily riding around the estate.
Related Words
1.2. Horse-drawn carriage or cab for hire
A horse-drawn vehicle available for public hire, especially a traditional carriage or cab.
Synonyms
Examples
- A traditional hackney carriage waited outside the railway station.
- Visitors hired a hackney to explore the historic streets.
Related Words
VERB
2. To make something commonplace or unoriginal through overuse
To make an expression, idea, or style dull, conventional, or lacking originality by using it too frequently.
2.1. Making language or ideas trite
Using an expression, idea, or theme so repeatedly that it loses its freshness and originality.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- refresh
- renew
- revitalize
Examples
- Repeated references to the same metaphor can hackney an otherwise powerful expression.
- The writer avoided hackneying familiar phrases in the novel.
Related Words
- cliché
- banality
- staleness
- repetition
ADJECTIVE
3. Offered for hire or commonplace through frequent use
Available for hire; also describing something ordinary, overused, or lacking originality.
3.1. Available for public hire
Describing a horse or carriage that is kept for hire by the public.
Synonyms
- for-hire
- hired
- rental
Examples
- The town maintained a service of hackney carriages for visitors.
- A hackney coach was available for hire near the market square.
Related Words
3.2. Overused or lacking originality
Describing an expression, idea, or style that is stale, conventional, or repeatedly used.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- original
- fresh
- novel
- innovative
- unconventional
Examples
- The speech relied on hackney expressions that the audience had heard many times before.
- Her presentation avoided hackney ideas and offered a fresh perspective.
Related Words
- commonplace
- stereotyped
- derivative
- threadbare