Definition

Noun: 1. The outer rim or segment of a wheel into which the outer ends of the spokes are fitted: A felloe is a curved piece of wood or metal that forms part of the circumference of a wheel, especially on a traditional wooden wagon or carriage. Multiple felloes are joined together to create the complete circular rim.

Usage

The word "felloe" is a technical term primarily used in historical contexts, wheelwrighting (the craft of making wooden wheels), and discussions of antique vehicles. It refers specifically to the structural component of a wheel.

Examples

• The blacksmith carefully shaped the felloe to match the curve of the wheel.
• In traditional wheel-making, the felloe is the part that holds the tire (the metal band) and connects to the spokes.
• One of the wooden felloes on the old cartwheel had cracked and needed replacement.

Advanced Usage

• "To felloe a wheel": This is a verb phrase meaning to fit or attach the felloes to the spokes of a wheel, completing its construction.
  • The wheelwright spent the afternoon felloing the new wheel for the carriage.

Variants and Related Words

• Felly (noun): This is a common variant spelling and pronunciation of "felloe." The two words are interchangeable.
  • He tightened the iron band around the wooden felly.
• Rim (noun): A more general and modern term for the outer edge of a wheel. While a "felloe" is a type of rim, not all rims (e.g., on modern car wheels) are constructed as separate felloes.
• Wheelwright (noun): A craftsman who builds or repairs wooden wheels, a profession that involves making felloes.

Synonyms

• Rim (in the specific context of a spoked wheel)
• Circumference (structural)

Notes on Different Meanings

"Felloe" has only one primary meaning related to wheel construction. It should not be confused with the verb "fell" (to cut down a tree) or the adjective "fell" (terrible or fierce), which are unrelated homographs.

Noun

1. rim (or part of the rim) into which spokes are inserted