guard-rail
(ˈgɑːdreɪl)
1. A hand- or other rail for the purpose of guarding against accidents by falling, being caught in machinery, etc.
Naut. (a) A hand-rail on the paddle box bridge of a steam-vessel. (b) A breast rail on the break of the poop. (c) A safety rail round a hatch-way (1875 Knight Dict. Mech.).
| 1860 Merc. Marine Mag. VII. 218 The guard-rail..had been heightened. 1894 Outing (U.S.) July 250/1 Hanging upon the upright posts were a barometer, a thermometer, and the Professor's banjo. There was also a small mariner's compass let into the guard-rail. |
2. Railways. (See quot. 1875.)
| 1875 Knight Dict. Mech., Guard-rail, a short rail placed on the inside of a main rail, so as to keep a wheel on the track by pressing against the inside of the flange of the wheel. It is used when there is a short break in the continuity of the other rail, as in switches and crossings. A safety, side, or wing rail. 1888 Engineer LXV. 295/1 The trestle had..no guard-rails. |
Hence guard-rail v., to furnish with a guard-rail.
| 1891 R. Kipling City Dreadf. Nt. 67 Our machinery is fenced and guard-railed as much as possible, and these men don't get caught up by the belting. |