n. A hole through which a man may enter a sewer, drain, cesspool, or the like, for cleaning or repairing; in steam-boilers, hot-water tanks, keirs, etc., a hole formed in the shell, through which a man may enter to the interior for cleaning, inspection, or repairs.n. In coal-mining: An excavation or refuge-hole made in the side of an underground engine-plane or horse-road. [Eng.] A small and generally short passage used for the ingress and egress of the miners. [Pennsylvania anthracite, region.] A niche cut in the side of a railroad-tunnel as a refuge-hole.To enter or use a manhole, as for the purpose of examining or repairing machinery.