n. 1 circular frame or disc which revolves on an axle and is used for vehicular or other mechanical motion. 2 wheellike thing. 3 motion as of a wheel, esp. the movement of a line of soldiers with one end as a pivot. 4 (inpL) slang car. 5 = STEERINGWHEEL. /). 1 a turn on an axis or pivot. b swing round in line with one end as a pivot. 2 a (often foil. by about, round) change direction or face another way. b cause to do this. 3 push or pull (a wheeled thing, or its load or occupant). 4 go in circles or curves. LI at the wheel 1 driving a vehicle. 2 directing a ship. 3 in control. on wheels (or oiled wheels) smoothly. wheel and deal engage in political or commercial scheming. wheels within wheels 1 intricate machinery. 2 colloq. indirect or secret agencies. r1 wheeled adj. (also in comb.). [Old English]
