canter

[ˈkɛən.tɚ]

UK: /ˈkæn.tə/

KƐƏN · tɚ (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 43,277

Definition

A gait of a horse between a trot and a gallop, consisting of three beats and a "suspension" phase, where there are no feet on the ground. Also describing this gait on other four-legged animals.

Etymology

Short for Canterbury pace, from the supposed easy pace of medieval pilgrims to Canterbury.