5. A drag or brake applied to the wheels of a carriage, to check their velocity in going down a hill. Knight.
Con*vulse" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Convulsed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Convulsing.] [L. convulsus, p. p. of convellere to tear up, to shake; con- + vellere to pluck, pull.] 1. To contract violently and irregulary, as the muscular parts of an animal body; to shake with irregular spasms, as in excessive laughter, or in agony from grief or pain.
With emotions which checked his voice and convulsed his powerful frame.
Macaulay.