Why a clothes horse? Where did the horse come from?

Answer 1

Many years ago, before we had wind and good weather, wet or damp clothes were traditional tied to the tail of a horse. The horse was then ridden at pace across open fields in order to dry the clothing.

The route would be a straight dash of 1 mile either way, considered efficient distance to achieve drying of most clothing items. This route became known as the "Washing Line"

Europeans insisted on a 2 mile circular course and this became known as the "Rotary Washing Line"

Many horses were able to be trained to then lie on the clothing items, which performed a basic ironing function.
When wind was eventualy introduced in the 1920's many of these horses were put out to grass as they could not compete.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Do you mean clothes horse in the sense of:
a) someone who is (a bit too) well dressed? Or
b) the wooden/metal frame on which clothes are dried?

Regardless of which you mean, the first definition has derived over time from the second. But to answer your question, I can only conjecture: it would appear that 'horse' was used simply because of the size and shape of the device. Bear in mind the word was in use in the 1700s, so back then, when horses were of far greater importance than they are now, it would have seemed more natural and logical to name a large object after them.

Answer 3

it had 4 legs and a long piece that looked like a spine

Answer 4

coz horses and donkeys carry loads. xxx

Answer 5

I guess because it carries things

Answer 6

i dont no