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

The two bay horses pawed the hard ground and threw up their heads so that the shined pole jumped and the doubletrees squeaked.

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

Old belts, singletrees, doubletrees, and such goods are worth far more away out on the prairies than on the old improved farm, and they will cost more here.

From Project Gutenberg

The forward spring he gave as the steel perforated his thick hide almost snapped the doubletree.

From Project Gutenberg

They had wanted to bolt straight out across the rocky upland and splinter the doubletree, and perhaps smash a wheel or two, and then stand and 181 kick gleefully at the wreck.

From Project Gutenberg