[ak-suh
l-tree] 
| a bar, fixed crosswise under an animal-drawn vehicle, with a rounded spindle at each end upon which a wheel rotates. |
| ax·le·tree (āk'səl-trē') n. A crossbar or rod supporting a vehicle, such as a cart, that has terminal spindles on which the wheels revolve. [Blend of Middle English axel, axle; see axle, and Middle English axtre, axletree (ax from Old English eax + tre, tree; see tree).] |