from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Telpher \Tel"pher\, n. [Gr. ? far, far off + fe`rein to bear.]
1. (Elec.) A contrivance for the conveyance of vehicles or
loads by means of electricity. --Fleeming Jenkin.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Elec.) Specif., the equipment or apparatus used in a
system of electric transportation by means of carriages
which are suspended on an overhead conductor, as of wire.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Telpher line}, or {Telpher road}, an electric line or road
over which vehicles for carrying loads are moved by
electric engines actuated by a current conveyed by the
line.
[1913 Webster]