axletree

American  

[ak-suhl-tree] / ˈæk səlˌtri /

noun

1. a bar, fixed crosswise under an animal-drawn vehicle, with a rounded spindle at each end upon which a wheel rotates.

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axletree British  

/ ˈæksəlˌtriː /

noun

1. a bar fixed across the underpart of a wagon or carriage that has rounded ends on which the wheels revolve

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Etymology

Origin of axletree

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at axle, tree

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

axletree

These sledges had tumbling wheels of solid wood a foot and a half in diameter, revolving with the wooden axletree, and held little more than a wheelbarrow.

From Stage-coach and Tavern Days by Alice Morse Earle

We often sank into mud-holes above the axletree; then, over trunks of trees laid across swamps, called here corduroy roads, were my poor bones dislocated.

From Sketches in Canada, and rambles among the red men by Mrs. (Anna) Jameson

We had driven the wagons into a circle, with the tongue of each wagon chained to the hind axletree of the wagon ahead.

From Ox-Team Days on the Oregon Trail by F. N. (Frederick N.) Wilson

A log thick enough to make an axletree may thus be somewhat seasoned in a single night.

From The Art of Travel Shifts and Contrivances Available in Wild Countries by Sir Francis Galton

He saw a greater Sun appear Than his bright throne, or burning axletree, could bear.

From In The Yule-Log Glow—Book 3 Christmas Poems from 'round the World by Harrison S. (Harrison Smith) Morris

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