Obs. rare. [First element obscure; second element TREE.] A name used by Markham and Surflet for the main swingletree of a plough, to the end of which are attached the two smaller swingletrees or whipple-trees, to which the two horses or oxen are harnessed.
In the Eng. Husbandman Markham appears to use the term as equivalent to swingletree, calling the main swingletree ‘the first’ or ‘hindmost toastree.’
1613. Markham, Eng. Husbandman, I. I. v. C iv b. Presenteth the plough-cleuisse, which being ioyned to the plough-beame, extendeth, with a chaine, vnto the first Toastree…. The hind-most Toastree … is, a broad piece of Ash-woode … which … hath the Swingletrees fastned vnto it … Because this Toastree is such a notable Implement both in Plough, Cart, or Waine,… I think it not amisse to shew you the figure thereof.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Country Farme, V. vi. 533. When they draw two and two together … then there is needfull the plow, cleuise, and teame, the toastree, the swingle-trees, the treates, the harnesse, the collars [etc.].
