rail
rail1 definition
rail (rāl)
noun
- a bar of wood, metal, etc. placed horizontally between upright posts to serve as a barrier or support
- a fence or railing; specif., the fence surrounding the infield of a racetrack
- any of a series of parallel metal bars laid upon crossties or in the ground to make a track for railroad cars, streetcars, etc.
- a railroad or railway as a means of transportation to travel by rail
- a horizontal piece of wood separating the panels in doors or wainscoting
- the rim of a billiard table
- Naut. a narrow, wooden or metal piece forming the top of a ship's bulwarks
Etymology: ME raile < OFr reille < L regula, rule
transitive verb
to supply with rails or a railing; fence
adjective
of or pertaining to a railway or railroad
rail Idioms
(go) off the rails
- (to go) off the proper course
- (to become) insane
ride on a rail
☆ to place on a rail and carry out of the community: extralegal punishment in which the victim was usually tarred and feathered beforehand
rail2 definition
rail (rāl)
intransitive verb
to speak bitterly or reproachfully; complain violently: with against, at, or about
Etymology: ME raylen < MFr < railler < Prov ralhar < VL *ragulare, to bray < LL ragere, to bellow
Related Forms:
- railer rail′er noun
rail3 definition
rail (rāl)
Browse dictionary definitions near rail
Also Mentioned In