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(), n.[OE. wheel, hweol, AS. hwel, hweogul, hweowol; akin to D. wiel, Icel. hvl, Gr. ky°klos, Skr. cakra; cf. Icel. hjl, Dan. hiul, Sw. hjul. 218. Cf. Cycle, Cyclopedia.] 1. A circular frame turning about an axis; a rotating disk, whether solid, or a frame composed of an outer rim, spokes or radii, and a central hub or nave, in which is inserted the axle, -- used for supporting and conveying vehicles, in machinery, and for various purposes; as, the wheel of a wagon, of a locomotive, of a mill, of a watch, etc. The gasping charioteer beneath the wheel Of his own car. Dryden. 2. Any instrument having the form of, or chiefly consisting of, a wheel. Specifically: -- (a) A spinning wheel. See under Spinning. (b) An instrument of torture formerly used. His examination is like that which is made by the rack and wheel. Addison. This mode of torture is said to have been first employed in Germany, in the fourteenth century. The criminal was laid on a cart wheel with his Wheel (), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Wheeled (); p. pr. & vb. n.Wheeling.] 1. To convey on wheels, or in a wheeled vehicle; as, to wheel a load of hay or wood. 2. To put into a rotatory motion; to cause to turn or revolve; to cause to gyrate; to make or perform in a circle. "The beetle wheels her droning flight." Gray. Now heaven, in all her glory, shone, and rolled Her motions, as the great first mover's hand First wheeled their course. Milton. Wheel v. i. 1. To turn on an axis, or as on an axis; to revolve; to more about; to rotate; to gyrate. The moon carried about the earth always shows the same face to us, not once wheeling upon her own center. Bentley. 2. To change direction, as if revolving upon an axis or pivot; to turn; as, the troops wheeled to the right. Being able to advance no further, they are in a fair way to wheel about to the other extreme. South. 3. To go round in a circuit; to fetch a compass. Then wheeling down the steep of heaven he flies. Pope. 4. To roll forward. Thunder mixed with hail, Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls. Milton. スポンサード リンク
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