[MR] Calvary or Cavalry?

[JBRMM266 at aol.com]

Good Gentles:

I've noticed instances, in both speech and writing, of people using "calvary" when they mean "cavalry."

"Calvary" is the name of the site outside Jerusalem where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified between two thieves. It is also a term for a sculpture or bas-relief depicting that event. Has *nothing* to do with horses.

"Cavalry" is the mounted branch of an army, the ones who fight on horseback. 

Although many, including myself, think the term a bit modern (thinking of all those old Westerns, probably), the term is descriptive. 

None of the dictionaries I've consulted bother to mention its origin, so it apparently goes back to "time out of memory."

And it IS easier to spell and pronounce than "equestrian" or "equitation," though I like the sound of them.

Your servant aye,
Donal Mac Ruiseart