(rail, UK) A crane that can be used in the event of accidents and derailments, as well as for engineering work on the railway; the crane is usually coupled to another vehicle on which the jib can be r
(rail, UK) A crane that can be used in the event of accidents and derailments, as well as for engineering work on the railway; the crane is usually coupled to another vehicle on which the jib can be rested when travelling, or when the crane is not in use.
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(rail, UK) A wagon attached to a rail-mounted crane to support the jib when the crane is being hauled in a train.
(chiefly, UK) A tow truck.
(chiefly, UK) A tow truck.
British English for a tow truck — the heavy vehicle that comes to rescue your broken-down car and haul it to the nearest garage. In the UK, 'lorry' is the standard word for a large truck, and a 'breakdown lorry' is specifically the one equipped with a crane, winch, or flatbed for recovering stricken vehicles. If you've ever been stranded on the motorway, the breakdown lorry arriving feels like the most beautiful sight in the world.
(countable) Something, such as a vehicle, that has experienced a mechanical failure.