traction

n. [ L. trahere, tractum, to draw: cf. F. traction. ] 1. The act of drawing, or the state of being drawn; as, the traction of a muscle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically, the act of drawing a body along a plane by motive power, as the drawing of a carriage by men or horses, the towing of a boat by a tug. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Attraction; a drawing toward. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The adhesive friction of a wheel on a rail, a rope on a pulley, or the like; as, the car is stuck in the snow because it can;t get any traction. Knight. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

Angle of traction (Mech.), the angle made with a given plane by the line of direction in which a tractive force acts. --
Traction engine, a locomotive for drawing vehicles on highways or in the fields. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or relating to traction. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]