[a. F. cabriolet, deriv. of cabriole, so called from its elastic bounding motion.] A light two-wheeled chaise drawn by one horse, having a large hood of wood or leather, and an ample apron to cover the lap and legs of the occupant. Contracted by 1830 to CAB, and in later times applied to any vehicle known by that name.
[1789. Let. fr. Paris, in Public Advertiser, 3. Crushed to death by one of those machines called Cabriolets; on account of which infernal vehicles, the inhabitants … can no longer venture on foot at any hour.
1816. Ann. Reg., 339. Lavalette was … conducted by Sir R. Wilson beyond the barriers in an English cabriolet.]
1823. Gentl. Mag., 463/2. April, 23. Cabriolets were, in honour of his Majesty’s birthday, introduced to the public this morning.
1840. Barham, Ingol. Leg., 194. His lordship rang for his cabriolet [rhyme day].
a. 1845. Hood, Lost Heir. I’m scared when I think of them Cabroleys.
1863. Miss Braddon, J. Marchmont, I. ii. 41. Edward Arundel had driven over in a cabriolet.
