/rayl"rohd'/ , n.
1. a permanent road laid with rails, commonly in one or more pairs of continuous lines forming a track or tracks, on which locomotives and cars are run for the transportation of passengers, freight, and mail.
2. an entire system of such roads together with its rolling stock, buildings, etc.; the entire railway plant, including fixed and movable property.
3. the company of persons owning or operating such a plant.
4. Bowling. a split.
5. railroads , stocks or bonds of railroad companies.
v.t.
6. to transport by means of a railroad.
7. to supply with railroads.
8. Informal. to push (a law or bill) hastily through a legislature so that there is not time enough for objections to be considered.
9. Informal. to convict (a person) in a hasty manner by means of false charges or insufficient evidence: The prisoner insisted he had been railroaded.
v.i.
10. to work on a railroad.
[ 1750-60; 1875-85 for def. 9; RAIL 1 + ROAD ]