Ax"le (?), n. [OE. axel, exel, shoulder, AS. axl; akin to AS. eax axle, Sw. & Dan. axel shoulder, ~, G. achse axle, achsel shoulder, L. axis axle, Gr. , Skr. aksha, L. axilla shoulder joint: cf. F. essieu, axle, OF. aissel, fr. dim. of L. axis. . Cf. 2d Axis.]
1.
The pin or spindle on which a wheel revolves, or which revolves with a wheel.
2.
A transverse bar or shaft connecting the opposite wheels of a car or carriage; an axletree.
3.
An axis; as, the sun's axle.
Had from her axle torn
The steadfast earth.
Milton.
⇒ Railway axles are called leading and trailing from their position in the front or in the rear of a car or truck respectively.
© Webster 1913.