steeple engine (steplen"jin)

1. A form of marine steam-engine used on side-wheel boats, in which the working-beam is the highest part, and the connecting-rod is above the crank-shaft.-2. A direct-acting engine in which the crank-shaft is located between the cylinder and the sliding-block or cro -head, the piston-rod is connected with the latter by two branches or limbs which straddle the crank-shaft and crank, and the connecting rod or pitman plays between the limbs of the piston-rod. It is used for steam-pumps and donkey-engines, being very compact in form. steeple-fairt, n. [Supposed to be a corruption, simulating steeple (as if a church-fair' or 'kerme '), of * staple - fair, These youths, in art, purse, and attire most bare, Give their attendance at each steeple faire ; Being once hir'd he'l not displease his lord. Taylor, Works (1630). ( Nares . ) A steeple-crowned