Dray

A dray is a strong, low cart without sides, typically drawn by horses, used for heavy hauling, especially for beer barrels and other goods over short distances. Historically, it was a vital part of urban transportation, essential for moving goods from warehouses to shops and homes. Modern usage of the term is less common, although the function remains integral in certain specialized industries, where heavy goods need to be transported in a sturdy, easily maneuverable way over short distances.

Dray meaning with examples

• The brewery's dray, pulled by two sturdy Clydesdales, rumbled over the cobblestone streets, delivering fresh barrels of ale to the local taverns. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves and the creaking of the cart's wheels were a familiar sound in the city.
• The butcher used a small dray to transport sides of beef from the cold storage facility to his shop. It was much easier to maneuver through the tight alleyways than a larger vehicle, making his deliveries more efficient.
• In the historical reenactment, a replica dray was used to simulate the transport of goods during the 18th century. The actors enjoyed demonstrating how the dray was loaded and the work involved.
• After the warehouse received their new shipment of bricks, the construction crew loaded them onto the company dray to transfer them directly to the construction site, only a short distance away.