whiffletree

noun

whif·​fle·​tree ˈ(h)wi-fəl-(ˌ)trē How to pronounce whiffletree (audio)
: the pivoted swinging bar to which the traces of a harness are fastened and by which a vehicle or implement is drawn

Illustration of whiffletree

Illustration of whiffletree
  • 1 whiffletree

Word History

Etymology

alteration of whippletree

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiffletree was circa 1806

Dictionary Entries Near whiffletree

whiffler

whiffletree

Whig

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Whiffletree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiffletree. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

whiffletree

noun
whif·​fle·​tree ˈhwif-əl-(ˌ)trē How to pronounce whiffletree (audio)
ˈwif-
: the swinging bar that connects an animal harness to a vehicle (as a cart) or a plow

called also whippletree

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