A strong inclined frame, usually of wrought-iron bars, in front of a locomotive engine, for catching or throwing off obstructions on a railway, as cattle; the pilot.
Early term for a locomotive's pilot. A pointed device used on the front of a locomotive to shove livestock off the track. Now used to prevent any object from going under the locomotive's wheels.
(slang) A metal grid fitted to the front of a locomotive to nudge animals off the track (technically called the "pilot"). "Cowcatcher" is not used in the modern railroad industry.