cowcatcher
(rail transport, principally, _, US) A plough-shaped device affixed to the front of a locomotive (or other large vehicle), usually wedge or V-shaped so as to push or deflect objects on the tracks out
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(rail transport, principally, _, US) A plough-shaped device affixed to the front of a locomotive (or other large vehicle), usually wedge or V-shaped so as to push or deflect objects on the tracks out of the way, to clear out the train's path and prevent the risk of derailment or major damage to it.
The locomotive was black, an ungainly contraption led by the triangular snout of the cowcatcher, though there would be few animals where this engine was headed.
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(radio, advertising) An advertisement at the start of a programme.
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Semantically related
- pilot beam62%
(rail, US) a transverse beam at the end of a locomotive which carries the pilot or cowcatcher.
- shunter62%
(rail, British) A railway locomotive used for shunting (switching).
- catch points60%
(rail, UK) A set of points provided to derail rail vehicles out of control on a steep gradient.
- caboose60%
(US, rail transport) The last car on a freight train, consisting of cooking and sleeping facilities for the crew; a guard’s van.