Car

Car (kär), n. [OF. car, char, F. cahr, fr. L. carrus, Wagon: a Celtic word; cf. W. car, Armor. karr, Ir. & Gael. carr. cf. Chariot.] 1. A small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.

2. A vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad. [U. S.]

☞ In England a railroad passenger car is called a railway carriage; a freight car a goods wagon; a platform car a goods truck; a baggage car a van. But styles of car introduced into England from America are called cars; as, tram car. Pullman car. See Train.

3. A chariot of war or of triumph; a vehicle of splendor, dignity, or solemnity. [Poetic].

The gilded car of day. Milton.

The towering car, the sable steeds. Tennyson.

4. (Astron.) The stars also called Charles's Wain, the Great Bear, or the Dipper.

The Pleiads, Hyads, and the Northern Car. Dryden.

5. The cage of a lift or elevator.

6. The basket, box, or cage suspended from a balloon to contain passengers, ballast, etc.

7. A floating perforated box for living fish. [U. S.]

Car coupling, or Car coupler, a shackle or other device for connecting the cars in a railway train. [U. S.] — Dummy car (Railroad), a car containing its own steam power or locomotive. — Freight car (Railrood), a car for the transportation of merchandise or other goods. [U. S.] — Hand car (Railroad), a small car propelled by hand, used by railroad laborers, etc. [U. S.] — Horse car, or Street car, an omnibus car, draw by horses or other power upon rails laid in the streets. [U. S.] — Palace car, Drawing-room car, Sleeping car, Parlor car, etc. (Railroad), cars especially designed and furnished for the comfort of travelers.