treadle en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈtɹɛdl̩/
- (Southern-England) audio
Etymology
From Middle English tredel, from Old English tredel; equivalent to tread + -le.
Meanings
-
A foot-operated pedal or lever that generates motion.
To the rear end of the shaft B, is attached a band wheel, to the periphery of which is attached a strap J, which descends to a treadle, to be operated by the foot, but which requires no description.
1846, editorial staff, “NAIL SWEDGING MACHINE”, in Scientific American, series 1, Volume 2, Issue 13, page 97:There is an inconspicuous treadle let into the floor and when you step on it an air-operated door-opening mechanism is automatically activated; [...].
1960 March, G. Freeman Allen, “Europe's most luxurious express - the "Settebello"”, in Trains Illustrated, page 141:
-
A device actuated by wheels passing over it.
As a car enters the parking area the front wheels pass over a treadle, causing a timber barrier to lift and allow the motorist to drive in and park. No money is required at this stage. As the car passes over a second treadle, just beyond the entrance, the barrier falls again.
1962 July, “Talking of Trains: Automatic car park at Harlow”, in Modern Railways, pages 11–12:
- Chalaza.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| treadles | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Translations (15)
la insilia (pedal or lever) · io pedalo (pedal or lever) · it pedale (pedal or lever) · bg педал (pedal or lever) · et tald (pedal or lever) · ga deil choise (pedal or lever) · es pedal (pedal or lever) · ru педа́ль (pedal or lever) · bg крачна предавка (pedal or lever) · cmn 踏板 (pedal or lever) · de Fußhebel (pedal or lever) · fi poljin (pedal or lever) · pl pedał (pedal or lever) · et tallalaud (pedal or lever) · pl człapień (pedal or lever)