'Hackneys' definitions:

Definition of 'Hackneys'

From: GCIDE
  • Hackney \Hack"ney\ (-n[y^]), n.; pl. Hackneys (-n[i^]z). [OE. hakeney, hakenay; cf. F. haguen['e]e a pacing horse, an ambling nag, OF. also haquen['e]e, Sp. hacanea, OSp. facanea, D. hakkenei, also OF. haque horse, Sp. haca, OSp. faca; perh. akin to E. hack to cut, and nag, and orig. meaning, a jolting horse. Cf. Hack a horse, Nag.]
  • 1. A horse for riding or driving; a nag; a pony. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A horse or pony kept for hire. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A carriage kept for hire; a hack; a hackney coach. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A hired drudge; a hireling; a prostitute. [1913 Webster]