whiffletree

noun

whif·​fle·​tree ˈ(h)wi-fəl-(ˌ)trē 

: 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

• 1 whiffletree

Word History

Etymology

alteration of whippletree

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

whiffletree

noun

whif·​fle·​tree ˈhwif-əl-(ˌ)trē 

ˈwif-

: the swinging bar that connects an animal harness to a vehicle (as a cart) or a plow

called also whippletree