1. With great speed; quickly, rapidly: Jim was told to complete his business assignment posthaste because the customer would pick up the product the next day.

After falling and injuring her back, Joan was sent posthaste to the hospital.

2. Etymology: in the 16th century, the phrase "haste, post, haste" was used to inform "posts," which couriers were then called, that a letter was urgent and must be quickly delivered.

The "posts" would then gallop along a route, with a series of places at which to get a fresh horse or to relay the letter to a different messenger for the fastest delivery possible.

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