Literary notes about Coltish (AI summary)
In literature, "coltish" is used to evoke a lively, playful quality that often hints at youthful exuberance and sometimes a lack of maturity. Authors employ the term to describe both physical demeanor and behavior, as when a character displays a brisk, almost mischievous toss of her head [1] or when a spirited, animal-like energy is observed in a horse’s impatient grooming [2]. The adjective carries a double implication—illuminating the charm and freedom of youthful vitality while also suggesting a certain raw, untamed quality, as noted in descriptions that blend spirited mischief with enduring energy [3][4]. This nuanced use allows writers to paint vivid portraits of characters who are as unbridled and animated as they are endearingly imperfect.
- I remember she had a coltish way of tossing her head.
— from Unleavened Bread by Robert Grant - The horses took their final grooming with coltish impatience, and devoured their grain in blissful ignorance of the sufferings in store for them.
— from Campaigning with Crook, and Stories of Army Life by Charles King - He had long ago passed the skittish age, but his spirit was one of eternal youth and his ways so coltish that no other name seemed to suit him.
— from A House Party with the Tucker Twins by Nell Speed - Youth is uncharitable to youth, so coltish and impatient with shortcomings, and so infinitely borable.
— from The Secrets of a KuttiteAn Authentic Story of Kut, Adventures in Captivity and Stamboul Intrigue by Edward O. (Edward Opotiki) Mousley
