Footplate

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The metal plate which forms the base platform of a steam locomotive and supports the boiler and the driver's cab, particularly in the United Kingdom.

    "Unlike the earlier standard designs, in which the whole of the footplate was on the engine, fall plates are re-introduced and these are hinged from the front of the tender to rest on the rearward extension of the cab floor."

  2. 2
    the platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the engineer stands to operate the controls wordnet
  3. 3
    The engineer's cab in any kind of train.

    "Kit had fallen into conversation with a footplate man who was deadheading back out to Samarkand, where he lived with his wife and children."

  4. 4
    The flat portion at the base of the stapes; pedicel.

    "The footplate of the stapes develops and ossifies in conjunction with the otic capsule and thus takes its origin from the otic placode in the embryo."

  5. 5
    The part of a roller skate that attaches to the boot.
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    A timber in a wood frame that distributes a concentrated load.
  2. 7
    A platform on which the driver's foot rests but which, unlike a pedal, has no effect.
Verb
  1. 1
    To travel (or work) on the footplate of a locomotive.

    "Hard work is required from men and machines as I was to experience later when footplating Lambton No 5 on five bogies battling its way up Newtondale."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From foot + plate.

Etymology 2

From foot + plate.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: footplate