brake shoe

noun

1. a rigid plate, usually of steel in the shape of an arc of a cylinder, coated on the outside of its curved surface with a friction-producing material and tightened against the inside of a brake drum to produce a braking action.
2. (on a bicycle) one of two metal blocks holding rubber pads that, when the hand brake is activated, press against the rotating wheel to produce a braking action. Compare caliper ( def 6 ).

brake shoe

noun

1. the curved metal casting to which the brake lining is riveted in a drum brake
2. the curved metal casting together with the attached brake lining

Word History and Origins

Origin of brake shoe¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Railroads use the devices to detect failing wheel bearings, brake shoe problems, side-to-side weight imbalances and wheelset defects, according to the U.S.

From Washington Post

We don't adjust the valves or replace the ignition points or brake shoes on our cars.

From New York Times

Power is generated through coasting and braking, so a hybrid’s brake shoes tend to last longer.

From New York Times

At the Kenwood Rail Yard in Albany, inspectors examined 120 crude oil tank cars and found three defective wheels and three defective brake shoes.

From New York Times

"If you look on your car, if your brake shoes are finished, even if you set them, it won't give you anything," he said.

From Reuters