axletree

American  

[ak-suhl-tree] / ˈæk səlˌtri /

noun

1. a bar, fixed crosswise under an animal-drawn vehicle, with a rounded spindle at each end upon which a wheel rotates.

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axletree British  

/ ˈæksəlˌtriː /

noun

1. a bar fixed across the underpart of a wagon or carriage that has rounded ends on which the wheels revolve

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Etymology

Origin of axletree

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at axle, tree

Example Sentences

Pattaquasset seems to me to be, socially, at one extreme pole of the axletree before-mentioned, and while I am here I feel no revolution of the great mass heaving beyond.

From Say and Seal, Volume I by Warner, Susan

These sledges had tumbling wheels of solid wood a foot and a half in diameter, revolving with the wooden axletree, and held little more than a wheelbarrow.

From Stage-coach and Tavern Days by Earle, Alice Morse

Vases of similar shape, containing flowers, should be placed on each side of the seat; a long rope, covered with crimson cloth, should be attached to the front axletree.

From Home Pastimes; or Tableaux Vivants by Head, James H.

At last it cleared away entire, But all that we could see Was Lige's dog a squattin' down Beneath the axletree.

From The Orpheus C. Kerr Papers. Series 3 by Newell, Robert H.

Two more sections from the big tree formed the wheels, while a square piece of quartering thrust through formed an axletree.

From Jethou or Crusoe Life in the Channel Isles by Suffling, Ernest R. (Ernest Richard)