A fender placed in front of an engine.
1838. This machine is used in the U.S., and is termed a “cow or horse catcher.”—Railway. Mag., p. 185. (N.E.D.)
1842. The engine came suddenly in contact with a small wagon, loaded with fish, relieved the horses, threw aside the driver, and absolutely brought the fish safely into Camden on the cow-catcher.—Phila., Spirit of the Times, June 25.
1851. As to the cows, they seem to think the iron road was especially intended for them; but their constant habit of getting in the way, and the “cow-catcher,” which adorns every train—invented in order to convince them of their error.—Lady E. S. Wortley, ‘Travels in the U.S.,’ p. 142 (N.Y.).
1856. Take a front seat on the cow-catcher of some snowbank-breaking locomotive.—Yale Lit. Mag., xxi. 346 (Aug.).
1888. The cow-catcher and headlight of a west end locomotive.—N.Y. Evening Post, Feb. 24 (Farmer).
