whiffletree
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of whiffletree
First recorded in 1820–30; variant of whippletree
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But before he could attach it to his place on the whiffletree again, Ranald stood ready for work.
From The Man from Glengarry; a tale of the Ottawa by Connor, Ralph
The whiffletree of the plow or cultivator used should be carefully fendered with rubber or a soft woolen packing that will effectually guard against the carelessness of workmen.
From Cacao Culture in the Philippines by Lyon, William S. (Scrugham)
The shock detached the whiffletree from the splinter-bar, snapped the light pole, and, turning the now thoroughly frightened animals again from their course, sent them, goaded by the clattering fragments, flying down the turnpike.
From Susy, a story of the Plains by Harte, Bret
The horses were driven down behind it, and from one of them de Spain took the collar, the tugs, and the whiffletree.
From Nan of Music Mountain by Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers)
Henderson sang Scotch lyrics very well, and Bacheller was full of tunes from his North Country, whilst I—well if I didn't keep my whiffletree off the wheel, it was not for lack of effort.
From A Daughter of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
