doubletree

[ duhb-uhl-tree ]

noun

1. a pivoted bar with a whiffletree attached to each end, used in harnessing two horses abreast.

doubletree

/ ˈdʌbəlˌtriː /

noun

1. a horizontal pivoted bar on a vehicle to the ends of which swingletrees are attached for harnessing two horses side by side

Word History and Origins

Origin of doubletree¹

1840–50, Americanism; modeled on singletree

Example Sentences

Across the doubletree behind them hung the limp form of their driver, a great, gaping wound in his head.

From Project Gutenberg

The doubletree served as a lever on which to mount two singletrees.

From Project Gutenberg

Three horses drew the plow, which has three singletrees and one doubletree.

From Project Gutenberg

The arms of the tongue are connected by a crossbar, to which the doubletree is pivoted by a hammer bolt.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, he started off with a cracked doubletree," he said slowly.

From Project Gutenberg