postbud

Postbud refers to a historical method of delivering mail, particularly in the context of early postal services. It generally describes the individual responsible for carrying and distributing mail, often on foot or by horseback, between designated points or to individual recipients. The term is less common in modern usage, having been largely superseded by terms like "mail carrier" or "postal worker" with the advent of more organized and mechanized postal systems.

Historically, postbud duties were vital for communication and commerce. These individuals traversed various terrains, facing challenges such as weather, distance, and sometimes even the risk of robbery, to ensure the timely delivery of letters, documents, and small packages. The routes and schedules of postbuds were crucial to the functioning of postal networks in pre-industrial societies. The evolution of transportation, from bicycles and later motor vehicles, significantly changed the role and the required speed and efficiency of mail delivery, making the term "postbud" primarily a historical reference.