My husband and coworkers were wondering how a washer got its name, like a bolt and a washer, not a washing machine.
2006-10-19 15:23:00 · 7 answers · asked by Keighty 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Because to call it a "washim" would just be to strange...
2006-10-19 15:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Why are washers called that? Using the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), my gal Fierra found that "washer," in the sense of "a perforated annular disc or flattened ring of metal, leather, or other material placed between two surfaces subject to rotative friction, to relieve friction and prevent lateral motion and unsteadiness," is "of doubtful origin." The earliest cite in the OED is from 1346 (spelled "whashers"), but the first quote that describes their use is from 1611:
. . . an iron hoope, amongst gunners called a washer, which serues to keepe the iron pin at the end of the axeltree from wearing the naue.
"
2006-10-20 17:59:51 · answer #2 · answered by wench 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question, completely underserving of the stupid answers thus far. I went to the Oxford English Dictionary web site, but subscription is required. Will answer later today when library opens.
2006-10-20 07:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
named after the person that named the spacer a washer
2006-10-19 23:18:28 · answer #4 · answered by mr.dj 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well all the good names was taken...sweet potato...zipper...coldcut............condom... But the man that is credited for naming them....was sitting and and flipping small metal disk against a wall....when a very attractive lady walked pass. His friend asked him....what you got there..he looked up...and said....sssss..."watch her.".....which was misunderstood..to be washer.....
OK...i'm sorry,,been smoking crayons again... hey it could have happen......
2006-10-19 23:23:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
warsher - in the north east!
2006-10-19 22:27:47 · answer #6 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because it simlpy washes clothes and thats y :P
2006-10-19 22:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by dnangel_101@hotmail.com 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋