[Short for TAXIMETER cab, and itself shortened to TAXI.] A cab for public hire, fitted with a taximeter; esp. an automobile or motor-cab so furnished.
1907. Daily Chron., 28 March, 2/5. The ‘taxicab,’ as the new taximeter motor-cab is called, is fast becoming a familiar feature in the streets of London. Ibid. (1907), 3 May, 8/3. London has taken kindly to the Taxicab.
1903. Westm. Gaz., 7 May, 4/2. How much the taxi-cab has done … to educate the non-motoring public to the utility of the motor-car.
attrib. and Comb. 1907. Daily Chron., 3 May, 8/3. Any taxicab driver who demands payment for an extra passenger is breaking the law. Ibid. (1909), 12 Jan., 1/4. She made quickly for her taxicab door, which was held open by police.
