whiffletree

American  

[hwif-uhl-tree, wif-] / ˈʰwɪf əlˌtri, ˈwɪf- /

noun

Northern U.S.

1. a crossbar, pivoted at the middle, to which the traces of a harness are fastened for pulling a cart, carriage, plow, etc.

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whiffletree British  

/ ˈwɪfəlˌtriː /

noun

1. another name (esp US) for swingletree

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Etymology

Origin of whiffletree

First recorded in 1820–30; variant of whippletree

Example Sentences

One end he fastened securely to the front axle of the car, attaching the other to the whiffletree that he had made to use in the woods.

From The Pony Rider Boys in the Rockies Or, the Secret of the Lost Claim by Patchin, Frank Gee

When traveling any distance, a second horse is added on the left, abreast of the first, and attached to the volante by an added whiffletree and traces.

From Due South or Cuba Past and Present by Ballou, Maturin Murray

This wore away at last and on the third day I had no difficulty in keeping up my end of the whiffletree.

From A Son of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin

He took the whiffletree from the wagon, let a chain drag behind it, and harnessed the mules.

From The Lost Wagon by Kjelgaard, James Arthur

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