noun
- riders who guide horses drawing a coach or carriage, especially the left-hand horse of a pair
Usage: historical; plural of postilion
Examples
- The wealthy merchant hired two postilions to guide his ornate carriage through the countryside.
- In the 18th century, postilions were essential for long-distance travel by horse-drawn coach.
- The postilions wore distinctive uniforms and carried horns to announce their arrival.
- Royal processions often featured multiple postilions mounted on elaborately decorated horses.
- The inn provided fresh postilions and horses for travelers continuing their journey.
- Historical paintings often depict postilions in their traditional riding attire.