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

We have hitherto treated thought, feeling, and will, as separate parts of consciousness, defining each, by implication, much as we would define wheel, tongue, and whiffletree, as parts of a wagon.

From A Review of the Systems of Ethics Founded on the Theory of Evolution by Williams, C. M.

So was I, with a girl to take care of, a tied-on pole and whiffletree, and practically no gun; for there was not a single loose cartridge in my pockets.

From The La Chance Mine Mystery by Gage, George W.

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)

She stepped down on the whiffletree, her heavy waving hair falling in masses of curls and crinkles over her shoulders.

From The Westerners by White, Stewart Edward

I did some fair jury work with a lucky bit of spruce wood, the whiffletree, and the axle, and got the pole spliced.

From The La Chance Mine Mystery by Gage, George W.