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Definition of horsetrading

horsetrading

/ˈhɔːrsˌtreɪdɪŋ/
horse · trad · ing
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horsetrading Lexical Profile

horsetrading Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Hard, shrewd, and pragmatic bargaining or negotiation between parties, especially in politics or business, typically involving mutual concessions.

Example

"After days of intense political horsetrading behind closed doors, the coalition partners finally agreed on the annual budget."

2

The commercial buying, selling, or swapping of horses.

Example

"In the nineteenth century, the county fair was a major regional hub for livestock auctions and horsetrading."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for horsetrading

• Nearby Words

horseshoes
horsetail
horsetail falls
horsetrading
horsewhip
horsewoman
horsey

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 19th-century American English, the term alludes to the traditional reputation of horse dealers for shrewd, hard-headed, and sometimes deceptive bargaining.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Horsetrading. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/horsetrading
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