cayuse ((n.))

[< the Cayuse Indians of parts of Washington and Oregon, U.S.A.]

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

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Originally, a wild pony, a mustang; later generalized in the West as a name for any horse, often with a derogatory or contemptuous connotation.

Quotations

1860

A few uninitiated Oregonians . . . had rode over on Keyuse poneys from the Willamette valley.

1863

We were amused by observing a drove of "Kioush" horses that had been driven from the mountains in a wild state, and were enclosed in a yard. . . .

1962

"Well, chances are Mr. Dude, you've been getting a silent horse laugh yourself from your own trusty cayuse."