'Ballast engine' definitions:

Definition of 'Ballast engine'

From: GCIDE
  • Ballast \Bal"last\ (b[a^]l"last), n. [D. ballast; akin to Dan. baglast, ballast, OSw. barlast, Sw. ballast. The first part is perh. the same word as E. bare, adj.; the second is last a burden, and hence the meaning a bare, or mere, load. See Bare, a., and Last load.]
  • 1. (Naut.) Any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a depth as to prevent capsizing. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security. [1913 Webster]
  • It [piety] is the right ballast of prosperity. --Barrow. [1913 Webster]
  • Ballast engine, a steam engine used in excavating and for digging and raising stones and gravel for ballast.
  • Ship in ballast, a ship carrying only ballast. [1913 Webster]