from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gallop \Gal"lop\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Galloped}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Galloping}.] [OE. galopen, F. galoper, of German origin;
cf. assumed Goth. ga-hlaupan to run, OHG. giloufen, AS.
gehle['a]pan to leap, dance, fr. root of E. leap, and a
prefix; or cf. OFlem. walop a gallop. See {Leap}, and cf. 1st
{Wallop}.]
1. To move or run in the mode called a gallop; as a horse; to
go at a gallop; to run or move with speed.
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But gallop lively down the western hill. --Donne.
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2. To ride a horse at a gallop.
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3. Fig.: To go rapidly or carelessly, as in making a hasty
examination.
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Such superficial ideas he may collect in galloping
over it. --Locke.
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