(for grain). See quotations.
1795. The elevators [in the flour mills] are inclosed in square wooden tubes, to prevent them from catching in any thing, and also to prevent dust.—Isaac Weld, ‘Travels through North America,’ p. 21 (Lond., 1799).
1795. It will admit a vessel to lay alongside, and unload into the mill with Evans’s elevator in about three hours;… passing it afterwards by an elevator into the hanging garner; also conveyers, elevators, and hopper boy.—Advt., Gazette of the U.S., Phila., Nov. 17.
1813. Elevators with revolving buckets are discussed at length by Thomas Jefferson, in writing to Isaac McPherson, Aug. 13. He refers to the Persian and Egyptian wheels, and denies to Oliver Evans’s invention the character of novelty.
1825. These elevators consist of a chain of buckets or concave vessels, &c.—Nicholson, ‘Operat. Mech.,’ p. 100. (N.E.D.)
1862. An elevator is as ugly a monster as has been yet produced.—Trollope, ‘North America,’ i. 248. (N.E.D.)
