treadle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a lever that is operated with the foot
    pedal; foot lever; foot pedal.
  2. verb tread over
    • the brick maker treadles over clay to pick out the stones
  3. verb operate (machinery) by a treadle

WordNet

Trea"dle noun
Etymology
OE. tredyl a step, AS. tredel. See Tread.
Definitions
  1. The part of a foot lathe, or other machine, which is pressed or moved by the foot.
  2. (Biol.) The chalaza of a bird's egg; the tread.

Webster 1913