n. [ 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. 'a`xwn, 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An axis; as, the sun's axle. [ 1913 Webster ]

Had from her axle torn
The steadfast earth. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Railway axles are called leading and trailing from their position in the front or in the rear of a car or truck respectively. [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A bushing in the hub of a wheel, through which the axle passes. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The journal box of a rotating axle, especially a railway axle. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In railway construction, the axle guard, or pedestal, with the superincumbent weight, rests on the top of the box (usually with a spring intervening), and holds it in place by flanges. The box rests upon the journal bearing and key, which intervene between the inner top of the box and the axle. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having an axle; -- used in composition. [ 1913 Webster ]

Merlin's agate-axled car. T. Warton. [ 1913 Webster ]

The part of the framing of a railway car or truck, by which an axle box is held laterally, and in which it may move vertically; -- also called a jaw in the United States, and a housing in England. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Icel. öxultr&unr_;. ] 1. A bar or beam of wood or iron, connecting the opposite wheels of a carriage, on the ends of which the wheels revolve. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A spindle or axle of a wheel. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]