n. The metal plate which forms the base platform of a steam locomotive, particularly in the UK, which supports the boiler and the engineer's cab.
n. The engineer's cab in any kind of train.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. See footboard (a).
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A carriage-step.
n. The platform on which the engineer and fireman of a locomotive engine stand.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the engineer stands to operate the controls
Word Usage
"The 120 year-old Footplate steam locomotive is named for its large metal footplate, which is full width of the locomotive and extends all the way from the front buffer beam to the back buffer beam."