(A corruption of the word horse.) A man remarkable for his strength, courage, etc. A vulgarism peculiar to the West.
"Well, old fellow, you're a hoss!" is a Western expression, which has grown into a truism as regards Judge Allen, and a finer specimen of a Western judge "aint no whar," for besides being a sound jurist, he is a great wag; etc.
Hoss Allen is powerful popular, and the "bar" hunters admire his free and easy manners, and consider him one of the people--none of your stuck-up imported chaps from the dandy States, but a genuine Westerner--in short, a hoss!--Robb, Squatter Life, p. 70.