Obs. Also thoroughpost. [f. THROUGH- + POST sb.2 1.] An express messenger riding post the whole way to his destination: see POST sb.2 1. To lay through posts, to establish a line of posts at which fresh horses were supplied.
1558. Act Privy Counc., 29 Aug. The Quenes Majestie must … seke some new meanes to be served from tyme to tyme with a through poste. Ibid. (1592), 18 April. We have aucthorized this bearer Robert Gascoyns, postmaster for the court, to lay through postes betweene London and the court.
1603. in Rep. Secr. Comm. Post Office (1844), 39. Carriers or thorow-posts, riding in our affaires by speciall commission. Ibid. (1609), Thorough Postes, through-posts [see POST sb.2 1].
1696. in Massachusetts Acts (1895), VIII. 280. Such Master … shall provide Horses and furniture to let to hire unto all through posts and persons rideing in post.
