IPA: /kwɜːrt/
KK: /kwɪrt/
A type of whip used for riding, which has a short handle and a long, flexible part made of braided rawhide.
The cowboy used a quirt to guide his horse during the ride.
To hit or whip someone or something with a flexible whip, often used in riding or herding.
The cowboy used a quirt to urge the horse to go faster.
Past: quirted
Past Participle: quirted
The word 'quirt' originates from Spanish 'cuerda', meaning a cord or strap. It refers specifically to a type of riding whip made from a flexible leather strap attached to a handle.
Think of the Spanish word 'cuerda' meaning cord, which helps you remember that a quirt is a whip made from a flexible strap.