Hackney \Hack"ney\ (-n[y^]), n.; pl. {Hackneys} (-n[i^]z). [OE.
hakeney, hakenay; cf. F. haguen['e]e a pacing horse, an
ambling nag, OF. also haquen['e]e, 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.