noun
- a metal frame on the front of a locomotive designed to push obstacles off the tracks
Usage: railroad terminology
Examples
- The old steam locomotive had a distinctive V-shaped cowcatcher mounted on its front.
- The cowcatcher helped clear debris from the railroad tracks.
- Modern trains still use a form of cowcatcher for safety purposes.
- The engineer inspected the cowcatcher before departing the station.
- A large branch was caught in the train’s cowcatcher after the storm.
- The antique locomotive’s ornate cowcatcher was painted bright red.