What does QUIRT mean?

Quirt

Parts of Speech: Noun, Verb

Definitions:

• A short-handled riding whip consisting of a braided leather thong with a loop for the wrist and a lash of horsehair.
• To strike with or as if with a quirt.

Pronunciations:

• US: /kwərt/
• UK: /kwəːt/

Origin and Usage:

The word "quirt" is derived from the Spanish word "cuarta," meaning "fourth," which refers to the length of the whip. It was originally used by cowboys and other horsemen in the American West as a tool for directing and controlling their horses. Today, it is still used in some equestrian sports, such as rodeo, and as a decorative item in Western fashion.

Synonyms:

• Riding whip
• Horsewhip
• Crop

Related Words:

• Quiet
• Squib
• Quill
• Squid
• Quilt

Example Sentences:

• The cowboy used his quirt to signal the horse to move faster.
• She quirted the horse on the flank to make it jump over the fence.
• He always carries his quirt with him when he goes horseback riding.