rack rail

noun

1. (in an inclined-plane or mountain-climbing railway) a rail between the running rails having cogs or teeth with which cogwheels on the locomotive engage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rack rail¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The cog-wheel on this latter shaft worked in a rack-rail placed in the centre of the track.

From Project Gutenberg

He obtained a patent, in 1811, for the application of a rack-rail.

From Project Gutenberg

From this point until the other side of the Andes is reached part of the way is covered by the use of a rack rail.

From Project Gutenberg

It was also very apt to get off the rack-rail, and then it stood still.

From Project Gutenberg