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Dray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dray

[dreษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation equipment

A dray is a type of low, flat cart that is used for transporting goods and heavy loads. It is typically horse-drawn or pulled by a vehicle. Drays were commonly used in the past for delivering products like beer or bricks and are often associated with breweries. Today, the term can also refer to modern vehicles specifically designed to carry heavy cargo.

Synonyms

cart, vehicle, wagon.

Examples of usage

  • The brewery used a dray to deliver kegs around the city.
  • The dray was loaded with bricks for the construction site.
  • In the past, a dray would often be seen on city streets.
Context #2 | Verb

to haul

To dray means to transport goods using a dray. This involves moving items from one place to another, typically in large quantities and over short distances. The action is often associated with traditional methods of freight transport, emphasizing the physical aspect of moving heavy items by means of a wheeled vehicle.

Synonyms

cart, haul, transport.

Examples of usage

  • They plan to dray the equipment to the exhibition center.
  • The company will dray the materials to the construction location.
  • He was hired to dray the furniture into the new apartment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In the 19th century, drays were commonly used in cities to deliver goods from railway stations to businesses.
  • Before trucks became popular, drays were vital for transporting coal, grain, and other bulk materials.
  • Some drays were designed with a flat bed, making them easier to load and unload various goods.

Cultural References

  • In literature and art, drays often symbolize hard work and the industrial era of society.
  • The concept of a dray appears in historical films showing scenes of early 20th-century city life.
  • Drays have appeared in various video games as vehicles for transporting items, emphasizing their utilitarian function.

Modern Context

  • Today, the term 'dray' is still used in logistics, especially in relation to 'drayage', which refers to transporting goods over short distances.
  • Some breweries or wineries use vintage-style drays as part of their marketing to evoke tradition and craftsmanship.
  • While modern vehicles have replaced drays for most use, the term persists in specific industries and historical references.

Origin of 'dray'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dray' comes from the Old English term 'drรฆge' which means 'to drag'.
  • It has roots in German, where 'dragen' also means 'to drag' or 'to carry'.
  • Initially, the term referred to a specific type of cart used for hauling goods, especially in urban areas.

The word 'dray' has its origins in the Old English term 'drรฆge,' which means to pull or drag. This term was influenced by its use in the transport of heavy loads, particularly in medieval times when goods were conveyed by horses or other animals. It is related to various languages, including Middle Dutch 'dray' which also refers to a cart. The evolution of the term reflects advancements in transport technology, from simple wooden carts used in ancient times to more modern interpretations. Over the years, 'dray' has remained specific to the context of heavy transport and has been associated with particular trades, such as brewing and construction, where the need for specialized carts was pronounced.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,361, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.