rail Definition

rail¹
noun

1. A bar, usually a horizontal one, supported by vertical posts, forming a fence or barrier.
2. A horizontal bar used to hang things on.

Example: a picture rail
3. Either of a pair of lengths of metal, usually steel, forming a track for the wheels of a train, tramcar or other vehicle.
4. The railway as a means of travel or transport.

Example: go by rail
5. Said of a door, wooden framework, etc: a horizontal section in panelling or framing.
6. The fence which forms the inside barrier of a racecourse.

Form: the rails
7. naut.
The capping part of bulwarks.

verb railed, railing

1. To provide with rails.
2. To enclose (eg a space) within a rail or rails.

Form: rail something in (usually)
Form: rail something off

Idiom: off the rails

Mad; eccentric.

Not functioning or behaving normally or properly.

Disorganized.

Etymology: 13c: from French reille iron rod, from Latin regula staff, rod.

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rail²
verb

intr
railed, railing
1. To complain or criticize it or them abusively or bitterly.

Thesaurus: rant, rage, fume, thunder; denounce, castigate, upbraid, harangue, lambaste, chastise, criticize, vituperate, abuse, revile, ridicule, inveigh against.
Form: rail at something or someone (usually)
Form: against something or someone

Derivative: railer
noun

Derivative: railing
adj, noun

Derivative: railingly
adverb

Etymology: 15c: from French railler to deride.

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rail³
noun

1. Any of several birds which usually live near water and have short necks and wings and long legs, especially the water-rail, corncrake or coot.

Etymology: 15c: from French raale.