cowcatcher

[ kou-kach-er ]

/ ˈkaʊˌkætʃ ər /

a triangular frame at the front of a locomotive, especially a steam locomotive, designed for clearing the track of obstructions.

Also called pilot.

Origin of cowcatcher

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; cow¹ + catcher

And this train, which was just a bunch of cardboard with a cowcatcher attached to it, was pushed into view by a bunch of people.

Ralph Fiennes Discusses ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ J. Lo, and That ‘Seinfeld’ Episode |Marlow Stern |March 6, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
He was out on the running board and onto the cowcatcher so quickly that he seemed fairly to fly.

Ralph on the Engine |Allen Chapman
The lower part of the vehicle was crunched under the cowcatcher and the child was almost borne away with it.

Ralph on the Engine |Allen Chapman
Sure enough, on the cowcatcher sat a man, huddled up comfortably.

Ralph on the Engine |Allen Chapman

Don made his way up to the locomotive and found a bigger knot of people gathered in front of the cowcatcher.

And Then the Town Took Off |Richard Wilson
The engine itself had most of the cowcatcher torn off and the headlight smashed.

Frontier Boys in Frisco |Wyn Roosevelt

cowcatcher

/ (ˈkaʊˌkætʃə) /

US and Canadian a metal frame on the front of a locomotive to clear the track of animals or other obstructions