Postilion vs. Postillion — What's the Difference?

A postilion or postillion is a person who guides a horse-drawn coach or post chaise while mounted on the horse or one of a pair of horses. By contrast, a coachman controls the horses from the vehicle itself.

One who rides the near horse of the leaders to guide the horses drawing a coach.

One who rides the near horse of the leaders to guide the horses drawing a coach.

Alternative spelling of postilion

A rider mounted on the near (left) leading horse who guides the team pulling a carriage.

Someone who rides the near horse of a pair in order to guide the horses pulling a carriage (especially a carriage without a coachman)

(obsolete) A post-boy, a messenger boy, a swift letter carrier.

One who rides and guides the first pair of horses of a coach or post chaise; also, one who rides one of the horses when one pair only is used.

Someone who rides the near horse of a pair in order to guide the horses pulling a carriage (especially a carriage without a coachman)