lobby Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a large entrance or reception room or area
entrance hall; anteroom; hall; antechamber; vestibule; foyer.
noun the people who support some common cause or business or principle or sectional interest
noun a group of people who try actively to influence legislation
pressure group; third house.
verb detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
buttonhole.

LL. lobium, lobia, laubia, a covered portico fit for walking, fr. OHG.louba, G. laube, arbor. See Lodge.

plural Lobbies

(Arch.) A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved.
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators; any persons, not members of a legislative body, who strive to influence its proceedings by personal agency = lobbyist . U.S.
(Naut.) An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
(Agric.) A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.

imperfect & past participle Lobbied ; present participle & verbal noun Lobbying

To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes.U.S. Bartlett.

To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill. U.S.