switch engine

a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a yard.

Also called switcher, switching locomotive.

Origin of switch engine

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Even when he realized that this was not easy, he felt no alarm until 27 he heard the switch-engine whistle.

The Mountain Divide |Frank H. Spearman
His face grew serious as he listened to me, and I saw him watching a switch-engine through the window.

I Walked in Arden |Jack Crawford
He had been offered a job in the local interchange yard, firing a switch-engine.

Our Railroads To-Morrow |Edward Hungerford
Have you sent the switch-engine to the woods for Rondeau and his men?

The Valley of the Giants |Peter B. Kyne

She heard the bell of a switch-engine in the distant railway-yard.

The Cottage of Delight |Will N. Harben