Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Horse \Horse\ (h[^o]rs), n. [AS. hors; akin to OS. hros, D. &
OHG. ros, G. ross, Icel. hross; and perh. to L. currere to
run, E. course, current Cf. {Walrus}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A hoofed quadruped of the genus {Equus};
especially, the domestic horse ({E. caballus}), which was
domesticated in Egypt and Asia at a very early period. It
has six broad molars, on each side of each jaw, with six
incisors, and two canine teeth, both above and below. The
mares usually have the canine teeth rudimentary or
wanting. The horse differs from the true asses, in having
a long, flowing mane, and the tail bushy to the base.
Unlike the asses it has callosities, or chestnuts, on all
its legs. The horse excels in strength, speed, docility,
courage, and nobleness of character, and is used for
drawing, carrying, bearing a rider, and like purposes.
Note: Many varieties, differing in form, size, color, gait,
speed, etc., are known, but all are believed to have
been derived from the same original species. It is
supposed to have been a native of the plains of Central
Asia, but the wild species from which it was derived is
not certainly known. The feral horses of America are
domestic horses that have run wild; and it is probably
true that most of those of Asia have a similar origin.
Some of the true wild Asiatic horses do, however,
approach the domestic horse in several characteristics.
Several species of fossil ({Equus}) are known from the
later Tertiary formations of Europe and America. The
fossil species of other genera of the family
{Equid[ae]} are also often called horses, in general
sense.
2. The male of the genus horse, in distinction from the
female or male; usually, a castrated male.