Side"track` (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Sidetracked (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Sidetracking.]
1.
(
Railroads)
To transfer to a siding from a main line of
track.
2.
Hence, fig., to divert or reduce to a
position or condition that is relatively secondary or subordinate in
activity, importance, effectiveness, or the like; to switch off; to
turn aside, as from a purpose. [Colloq.]
Such a project was, in fact, sidetracked in
favor of the census of school children. Pop. Sci.
Monthly.
© Webster 1913.