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; axle, tree

Example Sentences

These bars strengthened the axletree and resisted wear at the spindle.

From Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America by Manucy, Albert

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

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.

A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

And the whole axletree beneath was polluted with gore, and the rings which were round the chariot seat, which the drops from the horses' hoofs spattered, as well as from the felloes.

From The Iliad of Homer (1873) by Buckley, Theodore Alois