Lob"by (?), n.; pl. Lobbies (#). [LL. lobium, lobia, laubia, a covered portico fit for walking, fr. OHG.louba, G. laube, arbor. See Lodge.]
1. Arch.
A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved.
2.
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators; any persons, not members of a legislative body, who strive to influence its proceedings by personal agency<-- = lobbyist -->.
[U.S.]
3. Naut.
An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
4. Agric.
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
Lobby member, a lobbyist. [Humorous cant, U. S.]
© Webster 1913.
Lob"by, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lobbied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lobbying.]
To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes.
[U.S.]
Bartlett.
© Webster 1913.
Lob"by, v. t.
To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill.
[U.S.]
© Webster 1913.