GLOSSARY OF HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLE AND WHEELWRIGHT TERMS (U - Z)

Under-carriage. Another name for the carriage (q.v.)

Urtcher plate. A loose iron washer at the shoulder of an axle tree (q.v.) arm.

Van. A high sided vehicle, usually headed or covered. It was used commercially for the delivery, and collection of goods and luggage. It was either two or four wheeled and draw by a single horse in shafts or by a pair in pole gear.

Viller. A rare West Country name for a felloe (q.v.)

Wagon (or Waggon). This was a four-wheeled, medium heavy vehicle used extensively on British farms and also, to a less extent, commercially for the carriage of goods. In farming terms the main regional types were either high sided Box-wagons (q.v.) of the Eastern, East Midleand and Yorkshire counties or low-sided Bow-wagons (q.v.), with side rails or raves (q.v.) bowed above the rear wheels for protection. The wagon was unpopular in Scotland or the interior of Wales. Most regions in England had their own traditional design.

Waggonage. Money paid for carriage in a waggon.

Wagonette. A four-wheeled passenger vehicle usually open and entered through a rear door with a step iron. The interior had logitudinal , inward facing seats usually accommodating three persons on each side. It was usually drawn by a single horse to shafts or a pair to pole gear. It was first constructed in England in the 1840's.

Warner wheel. An American invention using a hub cage (q.v.) to provide additional support to the wheel spokes. Variations of the Warner wheel were the "Sweet" and "Sarven" designed by inventors with these names.

Wanty (Wan'ti). A leather strap or wagon rope.

Wame-tow. A belly-band or girth.

Web(s). The space(s) left between the spoke mortices in a wheel.

Wells. Fitted trunks (q.v.) hung on each side of a carriage perch.

Wheel box. The axle bearing in the hub (q.v.).

Wheel horse. The clamp into which the wheel is clamped during construction.

Wheel pit. The pit over which the wheel horse is placed to accept the bottom part of the wheel during construction.

Wheeler’s side. A tool used for removing surplus wood quickly during the initial stages of wheel and body making.

Wheeler. The horse, or horses, nearest to the vehicle.

Wheelplate. The top bearing of the fifth wheel (q.v.)

Wheelwright. A woodworker engaged in the making of wheels and the heavier type of horse drawn vehicle

Whippletree. See Swingletree.

Whirligig. A term used to describe a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by one horse and accommodating two people only. Shortened to "gig" in many instances.