mosey

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Unknown. Originally attested in Southern US dialects. Suggested origins include:

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈmoʊ.zi/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Verb

mosey (third-person singular simple present moseys, present participle moseying, simple past and past participle moseyed)

  1. (chiefly US, dialectal) To set off, get going; to start a journey.
    • 1910, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Kilmeny of the Orchard, chapter 1:
      Haven't got time. I must mosey up to the North End to see a man who has got a lovely throat. Nobody can find out what is the matter. He has puzzled all the doctors.
  2. (chiefly US, dialectal) To go off quickly: to hurry up.
  3. (chiefly US, dialectal) To amble; to walk or proceed in a leisurely manner.
    • 1919, William MacLeod Raine, A Man Four-Square, chapter 6:
      We'll mosey along toward the river. Kinder take it easy an' drift the herd down slow so as to let the cattle put on flesh.

Usage notes

  • Associated especially with the dialect of the Old West.

Anagrams