from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Switch \Switch\, n. [Cf. OD. swick a scourage, a whip. Cf.
{Swink}, {Swing}.]
1. A small, flexible twig or rod.
[1913 Webster]
Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with
something like a thread; in her other hand she holds
a switch. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Railways) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails,
for transferring cars from one track to another.
[1913 Webster]
3. A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at
jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Elec.) A device for shifting an electric current to
another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Safety switch} (Railways), a form of switch contrived to
prevent or lessen the danger of derailment of trains.
{Switch back} (Railways), an arrangement of tracks whereby
elevations otherwise insurmountable are passed. The track
ascends by a series of zigzags, the engine running
alternately forward and back, until the summit is reached.
{Switch board} (Elec.), a collection of switches in one piece
of apparatus, so arranged that a number of circuits may be
connected or combined in any desired manner.
{Switch grass}. (Bot.) See under {Grass}.
[1913 Webster]