Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Axle
Ax′le
(ăks′’l)
, Noun.
[OE.
axel
, exel
, shoulder, AS. eaxl
; akin to AS. eax
axle, Sw. & Dan. axel
shoulder, axle, G. achse
axle, achsel
shoulder, L. axis
axle, Gr. ἄξων
, Skr. aksha
, L. axilla
shoulder joint: cf. F. essieu
, axle, OF. aissel
, fr. dim. of L. axis
. √205. Cf. 2d Axis
.] 1.
The pin or spindle on which a wheel revolves, or which revolves with a wheel.
2.
A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree.
3.
An axis;
as, the sun’s
. axle
Had from her
The steadfast earth.
axle
tornThe steadfast earth.
Milton.
☞ Railway axles are called leading and trailing from their position in the front or in the rear of a car or truck respectively.