whiffletree

[ hwif-uhl-tree, wif- ]

noun

, Northern U.S.

1. a crossbar, pivoted at the middle, to which the traces of a harness are fastened for pulling a cart, carriage, plow, etc.

whiffletree

/ ˈwɪfəlˌtriː /

noun

1. another name (esp US) for swingletree

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiffletree¹

First recorded in 1820–30; variant of whippletree

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiffletree¹

C19: variant of whippletree

Example Sentences

We have hitherto treated thought, feeling, and will, as separate parts of consciousness, defining each, by implication, much as we would define wheel, tongue, and whiffletree, as parts of a wagon.

From Project Gutenberg

From each of his feet there went a rope ending with a whiffletree, to which a horse was attached.

From Project Gutenberg

She stepped down on the whiffletree, her heavy waving hair falling in masses of curls and crinkles over her shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

He took the whiffletree from the wagon, let a chain drag behind it, and harnessed the mules.

From Project Gutenberg

The whiffletree of the plow or cultivator used should be carefully fendered with rubber or a soft woolen packing that will effectually guard against the carelessness of workmen.

From Project Gutenberg