rough lock

1 of 2

noun

1
: a chain or rope fastened around the runner of a sled to retard its movement downhill
2
: a chain tied around the rim of a rear wheel of a wagon and fastened to the wagon reach so that the skidding wheel will retard the movement of the wagon downhill

rough-lock

2 of 2

transitive verb

: to fasten a rough lock on
rough-locking the wagon wheels, to keep the wagon from pushing the mules when we went downJ. H. Stuart

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb

rough lock

First Known Use

Transitive Verb

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rough lock was in 1828

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near rough lock

rough lemon

rough lock

rough-lock

Cite this Entry

“Rough lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rough%20lock. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!