thill

[ thil ]

noun

1. either of the pair of shafts of a vehicle between which a draft animal is harnessed.

thill

/ θɪl /

noun

1. archaic.
   another word for shaft

Word History and Origins

Origin of thill¹

1275–1325; Middle English thille shaft < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of thill¹

C14: perhaps related to Old English thille board, planking, Old High German dilla plank, Old Norse thili

Example Sentences

Now no dray moves more readily to the thill than I do to the painter's chair.

From Project Gutenberg

He was talking as much to himself as to the poor fellow who clung to the thill.

From Project Gutenberg

Three horses were harnessed abreast, the middle one standing between the thills, which were hung with bells.

From Project Gutenberg

The yell and the crack electrified the rawboned old nag into making a wild leap as if trying to jump out of the thills.

From Project Gutenberg

From the ends of the thills springs a wooden arch, called the duga, rising eighteen inches above the horse's shoulder, and usually emblazoned with gilding and brilliant colors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beam
• chimney
• cylinder
• duct
• rod
• tunnel