FIFTH WHEEL


Meaning of FIFTH WHEEL in English

Function: noun

Date: circa 1874

1 a : a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping b : a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer

2 : one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.