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.
2. To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane.
3. To trim, as, a hedge. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
4. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; -- generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another.
2 more senses
5. (Eccl.)
To shift to another circuit.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Switch, n.
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. (Eccl.)
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. i.
To walk with a jerk. [Prov. Eng.]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for switch; he lists it under beat.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.