1. † a. collect. sing. Light horsemen; a body of light cavalry (obs.). b. = LIGHT HORSEMAN. (Cf. F. chevau-léger.)
1532. [see HUSSAR 1].
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VI., 124 b. With .vi. m. archers, and .xiij. hundred light horses.
1611. Cotgr., Estradiot, a light-horse, an Albanian horseman.
1625. Markham, Souldiers Accid., 40. The third sort of auncient Horsemen, were called Light-horse.
1759. Ann. Reg., 7. England for the first time saw light horse and light foot.
1876. Bancroft, Hist. U.S., IV. xx. 462. Three regiments of infantry with one of light-horse from Ireland.
attrib. 176874. Tucker, Lt. Nat. (1834), II. 475. Cases of close combat or light-horse skirmish.
1898. 59th Rep. Deputy Keeper, 5. Books and Papers relating to the Light Horse Volunteers 17791831.
† 2. A courtesan. Obs.
a. 1627. Middleton, Witch, V. i. (1778), 96. An. Florida. Gas. She: I know no other, Sir, You were nevr at charge yet but with one light-horse.