traction engine

noun

1. a locomotive operating on surfaces other than tracks and pulling heavy loads, as fallen logs.

traction engine

noun

1. a steam-powered locomotive used, esp formerly, for drawing heavy loads along roads or over rough ground. It usually has two large rear wheels and a rope drum for haulage purposes

Word History and Origins

Origin of traction engine¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Locomotives, traction engines and lorries from the golden age of steam are rolling back the years for visitors to a North East museum.

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Dynamic and prolific, Stanway, 19, is blessed with such an unerringly powerful right foot shot that Manchester City fans have likened it to “a traction engine.”

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The 70ft-long timber-framed Manor Barn, weighing 100 tonnes, was transported on 16 wheels pulled by a steam traction engine for about half a mile.

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A bus driver who was seriously injured in an accident when a traction engine fell off a low-loader into his cabin has told how he thought he "would die".

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Reid’s collection started with a train set and grew to include model steam engines, planes, ships, traction engines and automobiles.

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