* Structure: Clothes horses, especially older models, often have a structure that resembles a horse's frame, with legs and a crossbar.
* Function: Just as a horse carries a rider or burdens, a clothes horse carries clothes, acting as a temporary "mount" for drying garments.
* Metaphorical Connection: The word "horse" often implies a strong, sturdy object, fitting the description of a clothes horse that needs to be sturdy enough to hold wet laundry.
The term "clothes horse" likely arose from a combination of these factors, leading to its association with the animal. It's a good example of a metonymy, where an object is named after something it resembles or its function.