† ˈtoastree Obs. rare.
[First element obscure; second element tree.]
A name used by Markham and Surflet for the main swingletree of a plough, to the end of which are attached the two smaller swingletrees or whipple-trees, to which the two horses or oxen are harnessed.
In the Eng. Husbandman Markham appears to use the term as equivalent to swingletree, calling the main swingle-tree ‘the first’ or ‘hindmost toastree’.
| 1613 Markham Eng. Husbandman i. i. v. C iv b, Presenteth the plough-cleuisse, which being ioyned to the plough-beame, extendeth, with a chaine, vnto the first Toastree... The hind-most Toastree..is, a broad piece of Ash-woode..which..hath the Swingletrees fastned vnto it..Because this Toastree is such a notable Implement both in Plough, Cart, or Waine,..I think it not amisse to shew you the figure thereof. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farme v. vi. 533 When they draw two and two together..then there is needfull the plow, cleuise, and teame, the toastree, the swingle-trees, the treates, the harnesse, the collars [etc.]. |