Dictionary entry

Tire (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Tire, n. [Aphetic form of attire; OE. tir, a tir. See Attire.] 1. Attire; apparel. “Having rich tire about you.” Shak.

2. A covering for the head; a headdress.

On her head she wore a tire of gold. Spenser.

3. A child's apron, covering the breast and having no sleeves; a pinafore; a tier.

4. Furniture; apparatus; equipment. “The tire of war.” Philips.

5. A hoop or band, as of metal, on the circumference of the wheel of a vehicle, to impart strength and receive the wear.

☞ The iron tire of a wagon wheel or cart wheel binds the fellies together. The tire of a locomotive or railroad-car wheel is a heavy hoop of iron or steel shrunk tightly upon an iron central part. The wheel of a bicycle has a tire of India rubber.