pick-up

{ or }, n. [ Colloq., Cant, or Slang ] 1. Act of picking up, as, in various games, the fielding or hitting of a ball just after it strikes the ground. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. That which picks up; specif.: (Elec.) same as Brush b. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. One that is picked up, as a meal hastily got up for the occasion, a chance acquaintance, an informal game, etc. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. a social companion for the evening who is met without prior arrangement, as at a singles bar; also, the act of joining with such a companion in that fashion. [ PJC ]

5. (Automobiles) acceleration; a measure of the ability of a vehicle to accelerate. [ PJC ]

6. (Electronics) a component of a phonograph which contains the stylus and also components for converting the vibrations of the stylus into electrical impulses for subsequent processing into sound; often referred to as a cartridge; also, the process of converting vibrations into electrical impulses. [ PJC ]

7. (Electronics) the conversion of sound or light into electrical signals in a sound or image recording or transmitting device. [ PJC ]

8. (Vehicles) a small truck having an enclosed driver's compartment (cab) but an open rear with usually low sides and a tailgate. Also called pickup truck. [ PJC ]

9. a hitchhiker who has been picked up. [ PJC ]