footrill Coal-mining.
(ˈfʊtrɪl)
Also footrail, futteril.
[Of unknown etymology: cf. prec.]
(See quots.)
| 1686 Plot Staffordsh. iii. 129 The open works..where..the Workmen rid off the earth, and dig the coal under their feet..there being no need for these, of windless, roap or carf, whence these sort of Coale-works are commonly call'd Foot-ridds or Footrills. 1883 Gresley Gloss. Coal Mining. Footrill, Futteril, and Footrail, the entrance to a mine by means of a level driven into a hill-side, or a dip road, up which coal is brought. 1885 Sheffield Daily Tel. 30 June, Four Shafts and a Footrill have been sunk to the Coal. |