The meaning of TREADLE is a swiveling or lever device pressed by the foot to drive a machine.

A treadle (from Old English: tredan, "to tread") is a foot-powered lever mechanism; it is operated by treading on it repeatedly. A treadle, unlike some other types of pedals, is not directly …

treadle (ˈtrɛdəl) n (Mechanical Engineering) a. a rocking lever operated by the foot to drive a machine

TREADLE definition: a lever or the like worked by continual action of the foot to impart motion to a machine. See examples of treadle used in a sentence.

Household sewing machines were powered with a foot treadle; however, factory sewing machines were steam powered from a line shaft.

Definition of treadle noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Treadle definition: A pedal or lever operated by the foot for circular drive, as in a potter's wheel or sewing machine.