Car (?), 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.