equestrian

Ultimately from Latin equester (“of or pertaining to equestrians/cavalry”) + -ianus (“-ian, related to”, adjective marker), from equus (“horse”).

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

equestrian (comparative more equestrian, superlative most equestrian)

1. Of horseback riding or horseback riders.

   They were an equestrian people.

   After his death an equestrian statue was erected.

   • 1973, Alfred W. Crosby, The Columbian Exchange, Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, →ISBN, page 82:

     The society of colonial Spanish-America was one of the most equestrian in all history, and, to a very great extent, its existence depended on the adaptability of the Old World horse to New World conditions.

2. (historical) Of or relating to the ancient Roman class of equites.

equestrian (plural equestrians)

1. One who rides a horse.

   Synonyms: horseman, horserider

2. (historical) Synonym of eques

• equestrienne