overspeed meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

overspeed

verb

US /ˈoʊ.vɚˌspid/ · UK /ˌəʊ.vəˈspiːd/

Etymology From over- + speed.

To travel excessively fast or beyond the permitted rate.

Caully-flowers over-speeding to pome and head..should be quite erradicated ^([sic – meaning eradicated]).1691, John Evelyn, Kalendarium Hortense:

Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Mechanics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Sometimes, Usually To operate an engine or machine too fast.

The device should be periodically tested by overspeeding the engine say once a month.1949, A. C. Walshaw, Heat Engines (3 ed.):

India To speed; to drive a vehicle faster than the permitted speed limit.

noun

Etymology From over- + speed.

Speed that exceeds a reasonable or permitted rate.

Trashes are clogs strapped round the neck of a dog to prevent his overspeed.1826, Samuel Weller Singer, The Dramatic Works Of William Shakespeare: Macbeth. Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark. King Lear...:
Protection devices are provided for engine and locomotive overspeed (maximum service speed is set at 90 m.p.h.); [...].1961 July, “The Hymek Type 3 diesel locomotive for the Western Region”, in Trains Illustrated, page 437:

1 more example

Investigating four 'overspeed' incidents during hot weather on July 18/19, RAIB discovered that confusion over where the BESRs [blanket emergency speed restrictions] started and finished, as well as the routes to which they applied, were contributory factors. […] There were no consequences from the overspeeds, [resulting from the BESRs] which had been put in place owing to danger of buckled rails.2022 December 14, “Network News: RAIB issues briefing on emergency speed restrictions”, in RAIL, number 972, page 16: