Hackney

See also: hackney

English

Etymology

The senses "a horse" and "(a means of transport) available for hire" derive from the fact that many horses were kept for hire in the London borough of Hackney. The place name is from Old English Hacan ieg "Hacan's Isle" (or "Hook's Island"), referring to dry land in a marsh.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /hækni/

Proper noun

Hackney

1. A London borough in Greater London, England, where once upon a time many horses were pastured.
2. A town in eastern London, England, within this borough (OS grid ref TQ3584).
3. An English habitational surname from Old English.
4. One of several breeds of compact English horses: see hackney
5. (in compounds) (means of transportation): see hackney.

Derived terms

• Hackney Bottom
• Hackney Downs