Lob"by (?), n.; pl.
Lobbies (#). [LL. lobium, lobia,
laubia, a covered portico fit for walking, fr. OHG.
louba, G. laube, arbor. See Lodge.]
1. (Arch.) A passage or hall of
communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a
waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a
lobby communicates between several rooms, an
antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully
preserved.
2. That part of a hall of legislation not
appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons,
collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the
legislators; any persons, not members of a legislative body, who
strive to influence its proceedings by personal agency.
[U.S.]
3. (Naut.) An apartment or passageway
in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-
deck.
4. (Agric.) A confined place for
cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the
farmyard.
Lobby member, a lobbyist. [Humorous
cant, U. S.]
Lob"by, v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Lobbied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Lobbying.] To address or solicit members of a legislative
body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their
votes.[U.S.] Bartlett.
Lob"by, v. t. To urge the adoption
or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to
lobby a bill. [U.S.]