brake-van

[ breyk-van ]

noun

, British.

1. the caboose of a railway train.

brake van

noun

1. railways the coach or vehicle from which the guard applies the brakes; guard's van

Word History and Origins

Origin of brake-van¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

It is composed of ten trucks and vans, and has besides a guard's brake-van fitted with a screw-down brake of the usual sort.

From Project Gutenberg

He swung a swag on to the platform, shouldered it, pulled out a billy and water-bag, and then went to a dog-box in the brake van.

From Project Gutenberg

He shall take care that the breakdown tackle is always kept ready on the brake van in case of emergency.

From Project Gutenberg

He shall take care to run no train without a brake-van at the rear end, and a brakesman in attendance.

From Project Gutenberg

"De Aar," and the Africander guard flung himself out of his brake-van.

From Project Gutenberg