switch

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Switched p. pr. & vb. n. Switching. ] 1. To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To trim, as, a hedge. [ Prov. Eng. ] Halliwell. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; -- generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Eccl.) To shift to another circuit. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To walk with a jerk. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. an elctrical apparatus consisting predominantly of a panel on which are switches or other means of completing electrical circuits; -- used especially for the devices used in telephone exchanges. See sense 2. [ PJC ]

2. (Telephone) An apparatus containing switches by means of which a connection may be made from an incoming telephone line to any one of numerous outgoing lines. The switches may be either mechanical or electronic, and the switching action may be automatic, controlled by signals in the incoming call, or manual, controlled by a switchboard operator. In older style manual switchboards, the circuits were connected by the use of patchcords, inserted into plugs.
Syn. -- patchboard, plugboard, telephone exchange. [ PJC ]

n. [ See Sweet. ] A beverage of molasses and water, seasoned with vinegar and ginger. [ U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a sudden and unexpected change or reversal of position, attitude, or action. [ PJC ]

a. & n. from Switch, v. [ 1913 Webster ]

Switching engine, a locomotive for switching cars from one track to another, and making up trains; -- called also switch engine. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a device used as part of an electronic device, which transforms electrical current from an AC line circuit to DC for use in electronic devices, and which can use either 110 volt or 220 volt AC line curent. [ PJC ]

n.; pl. Switchmen One who tends a switch on a railway. [ 1913 Webster ]