footplate

[ foot-pleyt ]

noun

1. Carpentry. a plate running beneath and supporting a row of studs; mudsill.
2. a platform or special floor area on which workers stand to operate a machine.

footplate

/ ˈfʊtˌpleɪt /

noun

1. 1. a platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the crew stand to operate the controls
   2. ( as modifier )

      a footplate man

Word History and Origins

Origin of footplate¹

First recorded in 1840–50; foot + plate ¹

Example Sentences

He could not help thinking how excellent a thing it would be to come home after a grimy run on the footplate.

From Project Gutenberg

When he slid back to the footplate his legs were wet to the mid shin.

From Project Gutenberg

But again the corner of the footplate jammed with the corner of the truck, and again we came to a jarring halt.

From Project Gutenberg

He caught at the rail, mounted the footplate, and swung himself into the cab.

From Project Gutenberg