velocipede

plural velocipedes

1. historicalAn early two-wheeled conveyance upon which one rode astride a wooden frame propelled by means of pushing the feet against the ground.
2. any wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling and steered with a handlebar, including but not limited to bicycles and tricycles.
3. archaicAny three- or four-wheeled machine driven by foot or hand levers to the rear or front axle.
4. archaicA late-1860s bicycle driven by cranks on the front axle.

   Jimmie Trescott's new velocipede had the largest front wheel of any velocipede in Whilomville.

   1899, Stephen Crane, “"Showin' Off"”, in Harper’s Magazine

   2 more examples

   Polly laughed as she ran to view the ruin, for Tom lay flat on his back with the velocipede atop of him

   1870, Louisa May Alcott, An Old Fashioned Girl

   “They can play with Willie’s playthings,” Nellie said. “They can’t ride on my velocipede!” Willie shouted.

   1937, Laura Ingalls Wilder, On the Banks of Plum Creek

5. humorousA bicycle.

   I sense a portent inflating / an unlikely fellowship forming / and yet as swiftly as communion effloresced, / they leave, / pedalling into the distance / on their restored velocipede.

   2022, Dave Clarke, “Velocipede”, in Northern Territory Literary Awards, pages 26-27

   1 more example

   […] his eyes fell upon the instantly recognizable if somewhat battered form of his own bicycle bell. […] 'Hold up there!' he cried, and 'Enough of that! Let loose that velocipede!' Archroy heard the Irishman's frenzied cries and released his grip. Marchant toppled to the dust in a tangle of flailing spokes.

   1992, Robert Rankin, The Antipope, page 197

   Synonyms: boneshaker

present singular third person velocipedes · participle present velocipeding · participle past velocipeded · past velocipeded

1. to ride on velocipede

   Polly and Maud willingly went, and watched his struggles with deep interest, till he got an upset, which nearly put an end to his velocipeding forever.

   1870, Louisa May Alcott, An Old Fashioned Girl