nodding donkey

noun

1. informal.
   (in the oil industry) a type of reciprocating pump used to extract oil from an inland well

Word History and Origins

Origin of nodding donkey¹

C20: so called from its shape and movement

Example Sentences

"I only wish the Nodding Donkey could be here to enjoy it," he went on.

From Project Gutenberg

Enough to say that, unlike the Nodding Donkey, they suffered no accident.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Nodding Donkey would hardly speak to me if he saw me now," she thought.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cat was just telling about the Nodding Donkey, and how he had made the lame boy smile, when she suddenly stopped mewing.

From Project Gutenberg

Jeff reached the porch and stretched out his black, dirty hands to take the Nodding Donkey.

From Project Gutenberg