donkey engine
donkey engine · donkey engines
A steam-powered winch, once widely used in logging operations, also found in the…A steam-powered winch, once widely used in logging operations, also found in the mining and maritime industries.
Meaning
2 senses(historical)A steam-powered winch, once widely used in logging operations, also found in the mining and maritime industries.
(historical)Any of a class of machines that used donkeys as a source of power to an output shaft or sheave.
More definitions
- (nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass)
- a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard
Forms
plural: donkey engines| Singular | donkey engine |
|---|---|
| Plural | donkey engines |
regular
Synonyms
3 synonymsClose in meaning
- (nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass):auxiliary engine
- a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard:switch engine