Definition

A horizontal bar that swings and connects the harness of a draft animal to a vehicle or tool, allowing it to pull the load.

Example

The farmer adjusted the whiffletree to ensure the horse could pull the plow smoothly.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a whiffletree?

No, I haven't. What is it exactly?

It's the part that connects the harness to the carriage.

Oh, that makes sense! I always wondered how they worked.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'whiffletree' originates from the combination of 'whiffle' (from the dialectal English 'whiffle', meaning to move lightly or flutter) and 'tree' (from Old English 'treow', meaning a wooden structure or beam). A whiffletree is a light wooden beam used in horse-drawn vehicles to connect the traces to the vehicle, allowing for a fluttering or light movement of the harness.

Memory Tip

Imagine a light beam ('whiffle') that helps connect and move things easily ('tree') — that's what a whiffletree does.

Visually Confused Words