walking beam

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. an overhead oscillating lever, pivoted at the middle, for transmitting force from a vertical connecting rod below one end to a vertical connecting rod, pump rod, etc., below the other end.

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Etymology

Origin of walking beam

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

walking beam

Near Manhattan's 37th St., in the "Old Tenderloin," he studied under Ablaba, a honkytonk pianist with a "left hand like a walking beam."

From Time Magazine Archive

We say do not eliminate him—lift him up—make him what he naturally is and is in position to be—the walking beam of Business!

From Crowds A Moving-Picture of Democracy by Lee, Gerald Stanley

The walking beam moves slowly up and down, and the Clermont floats out into the river.

From Pushing to the Front by Marden, Orison Swett

You are still so full of egotism that it sways you like the walking beam of a steamboat.

From Dick Prescott's Second Year at West Point Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

The river went black and mysterious, the shipping lights winked forth like glow-worms, and the illuminated walking beam of a ferry-boat minced a fantastic progress from shore to shore.

From The Henchman by Luther, Mark Lee