ˈdash-board
[f. dash v. and n. + board.]
1. a. A board or leathern apron in the front of a vehicle, to prevent mud from being splashed by the heels of the horses upon the interior of the vehicle. Also, movable sides to a cart for the same purpose (Halliwell).
| 1846 Rep. Comm. Patents (U.S.) 81 An improvement in sleighs, principally connected with the dash-board, has been patented this year. 1851 Gt. Exhib. Catal. II. 635/1 Adjusting-iron for dash-lamps suitable for sweeps of carriage dash-boards. 1859 Lang Wand. India 172 He fell asleep, his feet over the dashboard, and his head resting on my shoulder. 1882 M. E. Braddon Mt. Royal I. iii. 77 If you fasten the reins to the dashboard, you may trust Felix. |
b. In motor vehicles, the panel beneath the windscreen on which electrical instruments and controls are mounted. Also in aircraft.
| 1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist iv. 114 A cooling apparatus has now been fitted behind the bonnet and in front of the dashboard. 1925 W. Deeping Sorrell & Son v. §1 Sorrell remained by the car. He liked the colour of it, and the compact brightness of the dash-board. 1942 Electronic Engin. XV. 9 A course meter on the dashboard gives a rough indication of distances. |
2. a. The spray-board of a paddle-wheel.
b. In calico printing (see quot.).
| 1860 Ure Dict. Arts (ed. 5) II. 7 Dash wheels..were revolving wheels having dash-boards, which are much used in the washing processes necessary in calico printing. |
3. Arch. A sloping board to carry off rain-water from the face of a wall.
| 1881 Every Man his own Mechanic §1298 A piece of wood attached to the face of the wall at an angle and called a dash-board. |
4. In a churn: see dash n.1 13.