Swiss (?), n.sing. & pl. [F. Suisse, of German origin. Cf. Switzer.] A
native or inhabitant of Switzerland; a Switzer; the people of
Switzerland.
Swiss, a. Of or pertaining to Switzerland, or the people of
Switzerland.
Switch (?), n. [Cf. OD. swick a scourage, a whip. Cf. Swink, Swing.] 1.
A small, flexible twig or rod.
Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a
thread; in her other hand she holds a switch.
Addison.
2. (Railways) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for
transferring cars from one track to another.
3. A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute)
made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
4. (Elec.) A mechanical device for shifting an electric current to
another circuit.
Safety switch (Railways), a form of switch contrived to prevent or
lessen the danger of derailment of trains. -- Switch back (Railways),
an arrangement of tracks whereby elevations otherwise insurmountable
are passed. The track ascends by a series of zigzags, the engine
running alternately forward and back, until the summit is reached. --
Switch board (Elec.), a collection of switches in one piece of
apparatus, so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected or
combined in any desired manner. -- Switch grass. (Bot.) See under
Grass.
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.