noun
post horse; relay horse
Historical term for a horse used in the relay system for official messengers and goods during the Edo period and earlier. Not used in modern contexts.
江戸時代、伝馬は宿場町で次の馬に引き継がれた。
In the Edo period, post horses were relayed at post stations.
Compound of 伝 (relay, transmit) and 馬 (horse). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects the function of horses in the relay system.