TARANTASS Meaning and
Definition
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A tarantass is a type of traditional Russian horse-drawn vehicle that was commonly used for transportation in rural areas during the 18th and 19th centuries. The word "tarantass" is derived from the Italian term "tarantola," which refers to a type of venomous spider known for its swift movements.
Typically, a tarantass is an open carriage with four wheels, each made of solid wood and fitted with iron rims. It is designed to withstand rough terrains and challenging weather conditions, making it suitable for long-distance journeys. The body of the tarantass is constructed like a box, built with a wooden frame and covered or draped with waterproof material such as canvas to protect passengers from rain or snow.
The tarantass usually accommodates several passengers and has simple bench-style seating, often with cushions for added comfort during the arduous journeys. The carriage is directly attached to a pair of strong horses harnesses to the front that pull it along.
Due to its durable construction and ability to travel across uneven terrain, the tarantass was particularly favored for long trips between villages or remote areas where roads were limited or nonexistent. It often served as a means of transportation for merchants, traders, or those embarking on adventures through the Russian countryside.
While the tarantass is no longer commonly used today, it played a significant role in Russian transportation history. Its unique design and robustness make it an interesting relic of a bygone era.
Common Misspellings for TARANTASS
- rarantass
- farantass
- garantass
- yarantass
- 6arantass
- 5arantass
- tzrantass
- tsrantass
- twrantass
- tqrantass
- taeantass
- tadantass
- tafantass
- tatantass
- ta5antass
- ta4antass
- tarzntass
- tarsntass
- tarwntass
- tarqntass
Etymology of TARANTASS
The word "Tarantass" originates from Russia. It comes from the Russian word "tarantas" (тарантас), which was the name of a type of carriage commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term is believed to have derived from the Italian word "tarantola" or "tarantella", which refers to a type of venomous spider (tarantula) or a fast-paced dance, respectively. The connection between the spider or dance and the carriage is unclear, but it is speculated that it might be due to the bumpy ride of the carriage resembling the frenzied movements of someone affected by the tarantula's venom or the energetic movements of the tarantella dance.
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