kingbolt

American  

[king-bohlt] / ˈkɪŋˌboʊlt /

noun

1. a vertical bolt connecting the body of a vehicle with the fore axle, the body of a railroad car with a truck, etc.

2. (in a roof truss) an iron or steel rod serving as a king post.

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kingbolt British  

/ ˈkɪŋˌbəʊlt /

noun

1. 1. the pivot bolt that connects the body of a horse-drawn carriage to the front axle and provides the steering joint

   2. a similar bolt placed between a railway carriage and the bogies

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Etymology

Origin of kingbolt

First recorded in 1815–25; king + bolt ¹

Example Sentences

A long axle with large wheels was attached to the front, and a shorter axle with smaller wheels, which were pivoted by a kingbolt, was attached in the back.

From Scientific American • Mar. 8, 2011

He was encircling the ancient fortress of Metz, German kingbolt position on this sector and strongest shield in front of the coal, steel and pig iron of the Saar Basin.

From Time Magazine Archive

Every object in that car, human being or salt pork, crying baby or kingbolt, was a thing to Jerry Swaim.

From The Reclaimers by McCarter, Margaret Hill

At one point near Split Rock, Wyoming, I found the road cut so deep in the solid sandstone that the kingbolt of my wagon dragged on the high center.

From Ox-Team Days on the Oregon Trail by Wilson, F. N. (Frederick N.)

"De kingbolt done gone clean in two!" said Luke, and Robelia repeated the news explosively.

From The Flower of the Chapdelaines by Yohn, F. C. (Frederick Coffay)