curricle

curricle
/kerr"i keuhl/, n.
a light, two-wheeled, open carriage drawn by two horses abreast.
[1675-85; < L curriculum; see CURRICULUM]

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      open, two-wheeled gentleman's carriage, popular in England from about 1700 to 1850. It was pulled by two matched horses yoked abreast and was therefore equipped with a pole, rather than shafts. The pole had to be very strong because it both directed the carriage and bore its weight. To draw the carriage without jolting it, the horses had to be of equal size and gait; fashion required a matched colouring.

      In colonial America early curricles were called pole-chairs or double-chairs. Later ones remained popular well into the 19th century. The curricle may have become obsolete because of the danger in two spirited horses pulling a medium weight, two-wheeled vehicle.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Curricle — Cur ri*cle (k?r r? k l), n. [L.curriculum a running, a race course, fr. currere to run. See {Current}, and cf. {Curriculum}.] 1. A small or short course. [1913 Webster] Upon a curricle in this world depends a long course of the next. Sir T.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • curricle — [kʉr′i kəl] n. [L curriculum: see CURRICULUM] a light, two wheeled carriage drawn by two horses side by side …   English World dictionary

  • Curricle — For the small, lightweight boat, see Coracle. A curricle was a smart, light two wheeled chaise or chariot , large enough for the driver and a passenger and most unusual for a vehicle with a single axle usually drawn by a carefully matched pair of …   Wikipedia

  • curricle — noun A light two wheeled carriage large enough for the driver and a passenger and drawn by a carefully matched pair. Not since the year 17, when milord Castlebrilliants curricle was whirled to sea with her ladyship within, had there been such… …   Wiktionary

  • curricle — noun Etymology: Latin curriculum running, chariot, from currere Date: 1752 a 2 wheeled chaise usually drawn by two horses …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • curricle — two wheeled open carriage Carriages and Chariots …   Phrontistery dictionary

  • curricle — n. two wheeled open carriage pulled by horses …   English contemporary dictionary

  • curricle — [ kʌrɪk(ə)l] noun historical a light, open, two wheeled carriage pulled by two horses side by side. Origin C18: from L. curriculum course, racing chariot …   English new terms dictionary

  • curricle — cur·ri·cle …   English syllables

  • curricle — cur•ri•cle [[t]ˈkɜr ɪ kəl[/t]] n. trs a light, two wheeled, open carriage drawn by two horses abreast • Etymology: 1675–85; < L curriculum; see curriculum …   From formal English to slang

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