car \car\, n. of. car, char, f. cahr, fr. l. carrus, wagon: a
   celtic word; cf. w. car, armor. karr, ir.  gael. carr. cf.
   chariot.
   1. a small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but
      two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.
      1913 webster

   2. a vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad. u. s.
      1913 webster

   note: in england a railroad passenger car is called a railway
         carriage; a freight car a goods wagon; a platform car a
         goods truck; a baggage car a van. but styles of car
         introduced into england from america are called cars;
         as, tram car. pullman car. see train.
         1913 webster

   3. a chariot of war or of triumph; a vehicle of splendor,
      dignity, or solemnity. poetic.
      1913 webster

            the gilded car of day.                --milton.
      1913 webster

            the towering car, the sable steeds.   --tennyson.
      1913 webster

   4. astron. the stars also called charles's wain, the great
      bear, or the dipper.
      1913 webster

            the pleiads, hyads, and the northern car. --dryden.
      1913 webster

   5. the cage of a lift or elevator.
      1913 webster

   6. the basket, box, or cage suspended from a balloon to
      contain passengers, ballast, etc.
      1913 webster

   7. a floating perforated box for living fish. u. s.
      1913 webster

   car coupling, or car coupler, a shackle or other device
      for connecting the cars in a railway train. u. s.

   dummy car railroad, a car containing its own steam power
      or locomotive.

   freight car railrood, a car for the transportation of
      merchandise or other goods. u. s.

   hand car railroad, a small car propelled by hand, used by
      railroad laborers, etc. u. s.

   horse car, or street car, an omnibus car, draw by horses
      or other power upon rails laid in the streets. u. s.

   palace car, drawing-room car, sleeping car, parlor
   car, etc. railroad, cars especially designed and furnished
      for the comfort of travelers.
      1913 webster
see also:
chariot train car coupling car coupler dummy car freight car 
hand car horse car street car palace car drawing-room car 
sleeping car parlor car