Rail-guard.
(Railroad-engineering.) A device for throwing a side obstructions on the track. a. In England, the rail-guards are attached to the front of the frame of the locomotive, and reach down within about two inches of the raid, to catch and throw to one side any obstruction which may be on the rails. b. In America, the cowcatcher or pilot is a substitute, and is somewhat efficient for the whole width of the track. c. A guardrail, as at a switch, to bear against the inside of the wheel-flange and prevent deviation of the wheel.