Noun: traction engine 'trak-shun 'en-jun
- Steam-powered locomotive for drawing heavy loads along surfaces other than tracks
"The antique traction engine was a popular attraction at the county fair"
Derived forms: traction engines
Type of: engine, loco [informal], locomotive, locomotive engine, railroad locomotive [N. Amer], railway locomotive [Brit, Cdn]
Encyclopedia: Traction engine