donkey engine

Other forms: donkey engines

Definitions of donkey engine
  1. noun
    a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard
    synonyms: switch engine
    see moresee less
    type of:
    engine, locomotive, locomotive engine, railway locomotive
    a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
  2. noun
    (nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass)
    synonyms: auxiliary engine
    see moresee less
    type of:
    engine
    motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
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