Definition of "gin-horse" [gin-horse]

• A mill-horse; a horse used for working a gin. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "In short, she, altogether unwittingly to herself, initiated me in that delicious passion, which, in spite of acid disappointment, gin-horse prudence, and bookworm philosophy, I hold to be the first of human joys, our dearest blessing here below!"
• "Do you think that the sober gin-horse routine of existence could inspire a man with life, and love, and joy -- could fire him with enthusiasm, or melt him with pathos equal to the genius of your Book?"
• "I sometimes think that the church does for Canada what music does for continental nations, what dollar-chasing and amusement do for the American nation -- opens that great emotional outlet for the play of spiritual powers and idealization, which we must all have if we would rise above the gin-horse haltered to the wheel of toil."