A hackney or hackney carriage is a carriage or car for hire. A hackney of a more expensive or high class was called a remise.

Why is it called a hackney carriage?

Although the origins of the term 'Hackney coach' is unclear, historians suggest that it derives from the French word hacquenée, which roughly translates as a horse suitable for hire. The first Hackney coaches - large and luxuriously trimmed horse-drawn carriages - appeared during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1.

What is the difference between a taxi and a Hackney?

Taxis are hackney carriages and are licensed to pick people up from the roadside, i.e. hailing a cab. Private hire vehicles are only permitted to pick up pre arranged bookings and are not permitted to pick people up from the side of the road.