Thoroughbred (disambiguation)
The word thoroughbred is used as an adjective and as a noun. It can mean[1]:
- Thoroughly skilled, thoroughly trained: thoroughpaced
- Purebred
- A member of or having characteristics of the Thoroughbred horse breed.
- The Thoroughbred horse
A note on word use
Some individuals refer to a purebred horse of any breed, or any other type of purebred animal as a "thoroughbred." This is correct usage. However, the Thoroughbred (capitalised) is a distinct breed of horse. An unambiguous term for any animal that is Pedigree papers and of a single breed is "purebred." While this distinction is not as widely made outside the realm of horse breeding, and the terms are often used interchangeably, in horse establishment circles the term "thoroughbred" is never used to describe purebred animals of other horse breeds, or of other species.[2] You may properly use the word “thoroughbred” in any of its senses, but be aware it is disparaged in some circles, and that someone is likely to “correct” you.
References
- ↑ Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition’’
- ↑ Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage, p. 905. Sourced 2nd November, 2007