from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pickup \Pick"up\, or Pick-up \Pick"-up`\, n. [Colloq., Cant, or
Slang]
1. Act of picking up, as, in various games, the fielding or
hitting of a ball just after it strikes the ground.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. That which picks up; specif.: (Elec.) same as {Brush} b.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
3. One that is picked up, as a meal hastily got up for the
occasion, a chance acquaintance, an informal game, etc.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
4. a social companion for the evening who is met without
prior arrangement, as at a singles bar; also, the act of
joining with such a companion in that fashion.
[PJC]
5. (Automobiles) acceleration; a measure of the ability of a
vehicle to accelerate.
[PJC]
6. (Electronics) a component of a phonograph which contains
the stylus and also components for converting the
vibrations of the stylus into electrical impulses for
subsequent processing into sound; often referred to as a
{cartridge}; also, the process of converting vibrations
into electrical impulses.
[PJC]
7. (Electronics) the conversion of sound or light into
electrical signals in a sound or image recording or
transmitting device.
[PJC]
8. (Vehicles) a small truck having an enclosed driver's
compartment (cab) but an open rear with usually low sides
and a tailgate. Also called {pickup truck}.
[PJC]
9. a hitchhiker who has been picked up.
[PJC]