treadle

/ˈtreɪdəl/

Definitions

1. noun

A foot-operated lever or pedal, typically used in looms, sewing machines, or other machinery.

“The weaver carefully adjusted the treadle to achieve the right tension in the fabric.”

2. verb

To operate a treadle, especially in order to control a machine.

“She had to treadle the sewing machine slowly to get the stitches right.”

Synonyms

  • lever
  • pedal

Antonyms

  • brake
  • stopper