trefle, n.
(ˈtrɛf(ə)l)
Also 6 trayfle, 9 treffle.
[a. F. trèfle (16th c. treffle, 1314 tresfle, in Hatz.-Darm.):—pop. L. *trifolum for cl. L. trifolium.]
† 1. = trefoil 1. Obs.
| 1510 Stanbridge Vocab. (W. de W.) D ij b, Trifolium, trefle grasse. 1527 Andrew Brunswyke's Distyll. Waters K j, Trayfles, Trifolium in latyn. |
2. Mil. A mine having three chambers: see quots.
| 1756 Manningham Compl. Treat. Mines 104–5 [contains full description and figures]. 1853 Stocqueler Milit. Encycl., Trefle (Trefoil), a term used in mining, from the similarity of the figure to trefoil. The simple trefle has only two lodgments; the double trefle, four; and the triple one, six. 1877 Knight Dict. Mech., Trefle (Fortification), a mine with three chambers, like a trefoil. |
3. A figure or arrangement like that of a triple leaf: = trefoil 3.
| 1877 Coues & Allen N. Amer. Rod. 151 Anterior lower molar of 5 to 8 prisms, of which the anterior forms an irregular treffle. 1889 Pall Mall G. 3 Jan. 4/1 The placing of the Maxim gun underneath the orchestra,..pointing across the ballroom... Around it was a trefle of harness and carbines. |