ferroequinology

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Derived terms 1.2.2 Dictionary notes

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Latin ferrum iron + Latin equus horse + -logy

[edit] Noun

ferroequinology (uncountable)

1. (humorous, nonstandard) The study of railways in general, but especially locomotives. (Used somewhat whimsically).
   • 1993 December 5, J. Alan Septimus, “Re: altitudes (was Re: Engines (Re: Amtrak derails in Boise ...))”, rec.railroad, Usenet

     Anyone interested in Colorado ferroequinology, get yourself a copy of the DeLorme atlas. This shows the alignments of lots of old railroad grades

   • 1995 January 30, Glenn Laubaugh, “BRASS KEY”, rec.railroad, pdx.general, and or.general, Usenet

     The BRASS KEY...is the unofficial, unauthorized internet newspaper of ferroequinology (Latin: Study of Iron Horses) in the Pacific Northwest.

   • 1995 July 6, Paul Marsh, as quoted by Craig Symington in “Nebraska, Mosquitos, trains and girlfriends....”, bit.listserv.railroad, Usenet

     It has been well-established by the ferroequinology cognoscenti that train whistles cause a serious distubance among mosquitos, making them far less willing to strike their victims.

[edit] Derived terms

• ferroequinologist

[edit] Dictionary notes

• Defined in The Aldrich Dictionary of Phobias and Other Word Families (2002)