strickle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Rare / ObsoleteTechnical (agriculture, foundry), Archaic
Quick answer
What does “strickle” mean?
A tool for levelling off the top of a measure of grain or other dry substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tool for levelling off the top of a measure of grain or other dry substance; a bar or board used to strike off surplus material.
To use such a tool; to level or scrape a surface. In foundry work, a pattern for forming a mould. In agriculture, historically, the part of a flail that strikes the grain. Figuratively, to shape or refine something precisely.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant contemporary difference. Both varieties treat it as an archaic/technical term. In historical contexts, it may have been more common in British agricultural terminology.
Connotations
Historical, manual craftsmanship, precision in measurement, obsolete technology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Likely encountered only in historical novels, technical manuals on traditional crafts, or etymological studies.
Grammar
How to Use “strickle” in a Sentence
to strickle (a measure) [with a tool]to strickle off (the excess grain)to be strickledVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strickle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer would carefully strickle the bushel to ensure a fair measure.
- After pouring the sand, you must strickle off the excess to form a flat surface.
American English
- She strickled the grain from the overflowing measure.
- The foundry worker strickled the casting mould with a steady hand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or agricultural history papers discussing pre-industrial measurement.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in descriptions of traditional grain measurement, foundry mould-making, or historical farming tool catalogs.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strickle”
- Using it as a common verb for 'strike'. Spelling as 'strickle' vs. 'strickle'. Assuming it has a modern, frequent usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or highly technical, found mainly in historical or specialised contexts.
'Strike' is a broad verb meaning to hit. 'Strickle' is a specific noun for a levelling tool and its related verb, meaning to scrape off excess to make a surface level, with no connotation of violent impact.
Yes, though rarely. It can metaphorically mean to refine something by removing excess, e.g., 'to strickle one's prose'.
No. It is a word for passive recognition only, useful for advanced learners interested in historical texts or specific crafts. It is not required for active vocabulary.
A tool for levelling off the top of a measure of grain or other dry substance.
Strickle is usually technical (agriculture, foundry), archaic in register.
Strickle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪkəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To pass the strickle over something (to refine or perfect).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'stick' and 'trickle'. A STICK you use to level grain so the excess TRICKLES off.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS LEVELING OFF EXCESS (e.g., 'He strickled his argument of any superfluous details').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts would you MOST likely encounter the word 'strickle'?