traction engine

American  

noun

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

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traction engine British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of traction engine

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.

From BBC

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.”

From The Guardian

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.

From BBC

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".

From BBC

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

From Washington Times