Donkey engine Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard
    switch engine.
  2. noun (nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass)
    auxiliary engine.

WordNet


Definitions
  1. a small auxiliary engine not used for propelling, but for pumping water into the boilers, raising heavy weights, and like purposes.

Webster 1913