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

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

See more words from the same year

Style

“Whiffletree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiffletree. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Copy Citation

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

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