rack rail

noun

(in an inclined-plane or mountain-climbing railway) a rail between the running rails having cogs or teeth with which cogwheels on the locomotive engage.

First recorded in 1830–40

The cog-wheel on this latter shaft worked in a rack-rail placed in the centre of the track.

He obtained a patent, in 1811, for the application of a rack-rail.

From this point until the other side of the Andes is reached part of the way is covered by the use of a rack rail.

It was also very apt to get off the rack-rail, and then it stood still.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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