noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A code used to distinguish classes of train for the benefit of signalmen, formerly by using white oil lamps (or white discs) placed on brackets on the front of the locomotive. The various lamp positions defined the class of train. UK

   "Another appendix elucidates the S.E.C.R. headcode system."

Example

More examples

"Another appendix elucidates the S.E.C.R. headcode system."

Etymology

From head + code.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.