Literary notes about Courser (AI summary)
The term "courser" in literature has been used with a spectrum of meanings, ranging from a noble, swift steed to a technical reference for a horse-dealer. In some texts, like Jefferson's Declaration ([1], [2], [3]), it functions as a surname or professional designation, while in the dramatic works of Marlowe, “HORSE-COURSER” appears frequently almost as a character in itself ([4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]). In epic poetry and romantic narratives, such as Homer’s Iliad ([10], [11]), the Kalevala ([12], [13], [14], [15]), and Arthurian legends ([16], [17]), the courser comes alive as a symbol of speed, endurance, and even vulnerability—a vital companion to heroes on their perilous journeys. This varied usage demonstrates how the term has evolved to capture the multifaceted nature of equine imagery in literature, blending technical, symbolic, and narrative elements seamlessly.
- Courser , sb.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Corser , sb. horsedealer, MD, S3, HD; see Courser .
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Courser , sb. horse-dealer, Palsg.; corser , MD, S3 (s.v. horse ); scorser , ND.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - HORSE-COURSER.
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - [HORSE-COURSER runs away.] FAUSTUS.
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - What, horse-courser!
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - HORSE-COURSER.
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - HORSE-COURSER.
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - Enter a HORSE-COURSER.
— from The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe - In vain, unskilful to the goal they strive, And short, or wide, the ungovern'd courser drive:
— from The Iliad by Homer - While hot for fame, and conquest all their care, (Each o'er his flying courser hung in air,)
— from The Iliad by Homer - Then he drove a little distance, Galloped farther on the highway, When his courser neighed in danger, And the fleet-foot ceased his running.
— from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete - To the east he turned his glances, Cast his eyes upon the sunrise, There beheld the flaming courser, On the heath among the far-trees.
— from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete - Quick the wizard son, Kullervo, Holds the bridle of his courser, Charmingly intones these measures: "Come, fair maiden, to my snow-sledge,
— from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete - On the waters fell I headlong, Plunged beneath the salt-sea's surface, From the saddle of the courser, From my dappled steed of magic.
— from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete - Now Sir Tor was very ill provided, for he had but an old courser, which was as weak as himself, because of the hermit’s scanty fare.
— from The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Sir James Knowles and Sir Thomas Malory - And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and then was brought him a fair bay courser, and King Pellinore's saddle set upon him.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory
