horse latitudes

Meaning

Noun

• The warm, subtropical bands which encircle the globe between approximately 30 and 35 degrees both north and south of the Equator, characterized by high atmospheric pressure and dry variable winds ranging from calm to light.
• A condition of relative inactivity, calm, or lethargy.

Origin

• Various theories; probably from a sailors' ritual of parading a straw-stuffed effigy of a horse around the deck before throwing it overboard.