wrecking car

noun

, Railroads.

1. a car that is equipped as a wrecker. Compare wrecker ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrecking car¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Instead of the nondescript trucks and decrepit coaches of the ordinary Chinese 'accommodation,' there was in tow just one caboose-like vehicle, labeled in clear English a ' wrecking car.'

From Time Magazine Archive

“Here, men,” he called to his assistants on the wrecking car, “fetch this fellow into the shanty yonder.”

From Project Gutenberg

“The best thing to do is to get a wrecking car here; meantime, the trestle should be guarded.”

From Project Gutenberg

“The wrecking car is going to the bridge, Fairbanks,” said the official.

From Project Gutenberg

The entrance of the piece of sandwich into the stomach—that is, the small pieces that we were able to blast off with the imperfect appliances at hand in the tool box of a wrecking car—was signaled by the worst rebellion that has been witnessed in this country since 1860.

From Project Gutenberg