cage

n. [ F. cage, fr. L. cavea cavity, cage, fr. cavus hollow. Cf. Cave, n., Cajole, Gabion. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A box or inclosure, wholly or partly of openwork, in wood or metal, used for confining birds or other animals. [ 1913 Webster ]

In his cage, like parrot fine and gay. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A place of confinement for malefactors Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage. Lovelace. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Carp.) An outer framework of timber, inclosing something within it; as, the cage of a staircase. Gwilt. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mach.) (a) A skeleton frame to limit the motion of a loose piece, as a ball valve. (b) A wirework strainer, used in connection with pumps and pipes. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The box, bucket, or inclosed platform of a lift or elevator; a cagelike structure moving in a shaft. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Mining) The drum on which the rope is wound in a hoisting whim. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Baseball) The catcher's wire mask. [ 1913 Webster ]