steed

plural steeds

1. archaicpoeticA stallion, especially one used for riding.

   The torch-eyed ſavage, with growl tremendous, riſing up, diſlocated at one blow the arched neck of Sadit's Arabian ſteed, and brought the unfortunate omrah to the duſt, expiring between his extended claws.

   1769, Firishta, translated by Alexander Dow, Tales translated from the Persian of Inatulla of Delhi, volume I, Dublin: P. and W. Wilson et al., page 7

   1 more example

   The studded bridle on a ragged bough Nimbly she fastens: -- O, how quick is love! -- The steed is stalled up, and even now To tie the rider she begins to prove: Backward she push'd him, as she would be thrust, And govern'd him in strength, though not in lust.

   1593, [William Shakespeare], Venus and Adonis, London: […] Richard Field, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: mount

2. humorousslangcyclingA bicycle or other vehicle.

   I may not scorch on thee again—thou'rt pinched, my silent steed!

   1897, “The scorcher's farewell to his steed”, in Edmond Redmond, editor, Lyra Cyclus […] , Rochester, NY, page 59

   3 more examples

   In the green lanes of Merrie England the bicycle rider in his natty uniform, speeding along on his silent steed, is met with almost as often as vehicles drawn by horses, and it is safe to say that in the various countries of the world not less than half a million bicycles and tricycles are now in use.

   1887 July 26, Thomas Stevens, “Bicycle chat for boys”, in Harper's Young People, volume VIII, number 404, page 614

   She was to creep out quietly […] and meet me at our usual trysting place—a spot a few hundred yards from our respective abodes. I would be there with my iron steed, and on the pillion thereof would whirl her into fairyland.

   1927, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados Mysteries

   Diggle Station lies high up in the Pennine Chain, subject to extreme low temperatures. With this and heavy snowfall in the winter months, Diggle bids fair to compete with the Scottish lines under similar weather conditions, and the provision of unfrozen water in the higher ambient temperature of the tunnel must be a boon to harassed engine drivers whose thirsty steeds run short of water up the gruelling 1 in 125 seven-mile climb from Stalybridge.

   1959 February 28, “Letters to the Editor: Diggle Water Troughs”, in Railway Magazine, page 135

plural Steeds

1. A surname.