canter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkantə/

noun

[in singular]
  • a pace of a horse or other quadruped between a trot and a gallop, with not less than one foot on the ground at any time: I rode away at a canter
  • a ride on a horse at a canter: we came back from one of our canters

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction]
  • (of a horse) move at a canter in a particular direction: they cantered down into the village
  • [with object] make (a horse) move at a canter: Katharine cantered Benji in a smaller and smaller circle

Phrases

in (or at) a canter

British without much effort; easily: they retained their leadership of the Second Division at a canter

Origin:

early 18th century (as a verb): short for Canterbury pace or Canterbury gallop, from the supposed easy pace of medieval pilgrims to Canterbury