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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Swingill-tre, n. Also: swingil-, swyngill-, swingl(e- and -trie, -tree. [Late ME and e.m.E. swyngyll tre (c1462), swyngyltre, swyngilstre (Cath. Angl.), swingle tree (1615).]

The wooden cross-bar (of a plough, etc.) to which the horse-traces are fastened. Also comb. 1591 Edinb. Test. XXIII 293.
Thrie cuppel of harrowis with hames theittis swingiltreis 1594 Breadalbane Ct. Bk. 81.
Ane swingill trie to his pleuch 1606 Crim. Trials II 517.
Be streking hir with his feit vpon the wamb, and with ane swyngill-trie 1636 Edinb. Test. LVII 327b.
Ane plewch with cowtter, sock, missell, drauchtnail, with ane pare of swingiltries 1664 Melrose Reg. Rec. II 96.
Ane two-horse trie with 3 yrone slings and ane swingl-trie 1682 Hay Fleming Six Saints I 59.
At the sound of the last trumpet, when all are in a flame, their theats will burn, and their swingle-trees will fall to the groundcomb. 1569 Prot. Bk. Thomas Johnsoun 162.
1 womyll, 1 swingletree borell, 1 nail borell, 1 adze

b. A bar forming part of various other mechanical devices. 1609 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I 170.
Bandis of irne to the swingletreis of the fynning bellowes 1609 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I 174.
Swingiltrie 1685 Sheriffhall Coal Accompt 28 March.
For a swingle tree to the gine