/derr"bee/ ; Brit. /dahr"bee/ , n. , pl. Derbies .
1. a race for three-year-old horses that is run annually at Epsom Downs, near London, England: first run in 1780.
2. any of certain other important annual horse races, usually for three-year-old horses, esp. the Kentucky Derby.
3. ( l.c. ) a race or contest, usually one open to all who wish to enter and offering a prize for the winner.
4. ( l.c. ) any endeavor or venture regarded as a competition: to win the gubernatorial derby.
5. ( l.c. ) Also called bowler . a stiff felt hat with rounded crown and narrow brim, worn chiefly by men.
[ 1830-40; after Edward Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (d. 1834), who instituted the race ]
/derr"bee/ ; for 1, 2 also Brit. /dahr"bee/ , n.
1. a city in Derbyshire, in central England. 215,200.
2. Derbyshire.
3. a city in S Connecticut. 12,346.