cowcatcher

[kou-kach-er] /ˈkaʊˌkætʃ ər/
noun
1.
a triangular frame at the front of a locomotive, especially a steam locomotive, designed for clearing the track of obstructions.
Also called pilot.
Origin
1830-40, Americanism; cow1 + catcher
Examples from the web for cowcatcher
  • The cowcatcher formed the handles te a little drawer in the body of the engine in which repose the iced punch.
  • Sometimes the boys jumped on the cowcatcher of the engine while in motion.
  • Suarez was thrown against the cowcatcher and his head mashed.
British Dictionary definitions for cowcatcher

cowcatcher

/ˈkaʊˌkætʃə/
noun
1.
(US & Canadian) a metal frame on the front of a locomotive to clear the track of animals or other obstructions