Hack″ney (–ny̆), n.; pl.Hackneys (–nĭz). [OE. hakeney, hakenay; cf. F. haquenée a pacing horse, an ambling nag, OF. also haguenée, Sp. hacanea, OSp. facanea, D. hakkenei, also OF. haque horse, Sp. haca, OSp. faca; perh. akin to E. hack to cut, and nag, and orig. meaning, a jolting horse. Cf. Hack a horse, Nag.] 1. A horse for riding or driving; a nag; a pony. Chaucer.
2. A horse or pony kept for hire.
3. A carriage kept for hire; a hack; a hackney coach.
4. A hired drudge; a hireling; a prostitute.