Footplate

Full definition of footplate

Noun

1. The metal plate which forms the base platform of a steam locomotive, particularly in the UK, which supports the boiler and the engineer's cab.
2. The engineer's cab in any kind of train.
• 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage 2007, p. 845:Kit had fallen into conversation with a footplate man who was deadheading back out to Samarkand, where he lived with his wife and children.

Derived terms

• footplateman