SWITCH

switch. Switch, n. a flexible small twig; v.t. to lash

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Switch (?), n. [[Cf. OD. swick a scourage, a whip. Cf. Swink, Swing.]] 1. 1. A small, flexible twig or rod.
Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a thread; in her other hand she holds a switch. Addison. 2. 2. (Railways) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another.
3. 3. A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
4. 4. (Elec.) A mechanical device for shifting an electric current to another circuit.
Safety switch (Railways), a form of switch contrived to prevent or lessen the danger of derailment of trains. — Switch back (Railways), an arrangement of tracks whereby elevations otherwise insurmountable are passed. The track ascends by a series of zigzags, the engine running alternately forward and back, until the summit is reached. — Switch board (Elec.), a collection of switches in one piece of apparatus, so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected or combined in any desired manner. — Switch grass. (Bot.) See under Grass.