Definition of "lead-bar" [lead-bar]

• The swingletree or equalizing-bar used for the leading horses of a four-in-hand team. See swingletree. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• ""Prince!" in a loud voice, Milda immediately rabbit-jumps to the side, straight ahead, or sits down on the lead-bar."
• "Milda's besetting weakness was a frantic desire not to have the lead-bar strike her hocks."
• "Not until she carried the lead-bar clean away and danced a break-down on it and the traces, did she behave decently."