[po.ny] n, pl ponies [prob. fr. obs. F poulenet, dim. of F poulain colt, fr. ML pullanus, fr. L pullus young of an animal, foal--more at foal] (1659) 1 a: a small horse; esp: one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance b: a bronco, mustang, or similar horse of the western U.S. c: racehorse--usu. used in pl.
2: something smaller than standard: as a: a small beer glass b: a small liqueur glass typically holding one ounce
3: a literal translation of a foreign language text; esp: one used surreptitiously by students in preparing or reciting lessons