Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A carriage-step.
  • noun The platform on which the engineer and fireman of a locomotive engine stand.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Locomotives) See footboard (a).

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The metal plate which forms the base platform of a steam locomotive, particularly in the UK, which supports the boiler and the engineer's cab.
  • noun The engineer's cab in any kind of train.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the engineer stands to operate the controls

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • The 120 year-old Footplate steam locomotive is named for its large metal footplate, which is full width of the locomotive and extends all the way from the front buffer beam to the back buffer beam.

    ETravelBlackboard.com 2009

  • WIRED Thick footplate offers springy sensation on ascents.

    Wired Top Stories 2009

  • As my boat drifted out between the lines of moored yachts, I strapped my feet onto the footplate and grasped the textured rubber grips of the oars.

    Rowing the ATLANTIC Roz Savage 2009

  • I fussed around, making a few last-minute adjustments to the footplate.

    Rowing the ATLANTIC Roz Savage 2009

  • I had wedged a block of wood under the footplate so I could hold a steady course, but it kept shifting under the pressure of my foot.

    Rowing the ATLANTIC Roz Savage 2009

  • But the thick footplate had one unforeseen advantage: On uphill hauls the stiffness actually lends a spring-like feeling, flexing just enough to give you the impression that you're being propelled upwards.

    Wired Top Stories 2009

  • WIRED Thick footplate offers springy sensation on ascents.

    Wired Top Stories 2009

  • As my boat drifted out between the lines of moored yachts, I strapped my feet onto the footplate and grasped the textured rubber grips of the oars.

    Rowing the ATLANTIC Roz Savage 2009

  • While the boot offers great heel and ankle support, the footplate feels too flexible and the upper too flimsy for extended trips with a 40-pound pack.

    Wired Top Stories 2009

  • I fussed around, making a few last-minute adjustments to the footplate.

    Rowing the ATLANTIC Roz Savage 2009

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