Platform

plat′form, n. a raised level surface: a part of a floor raised above the rest to form a standing-place for speakers, workmen, .: ( mil. ) an elevated floor for cannon: a statement of principles to which a body of men declare their adhesion, and on which they act: ( Shak. ) a scheme, plan.— v.t. ( Milt. ) to sketch, plan: ( Mrs Browning ) to support as on a platform.— ns. Plat′form-bridge ( Amer. ), a movable gangway between the platforms of two railway carriages; Plat′form-car , a railway car open all round and without a roof; Plat′form-crane , a crane used on a railway platform, or one mounted on a movable truck; Plat′form-scale , a weighing-machine with a flat surface for holding the thing to be weighed.— The platform , the function of public oratory. [Fr. plate-forme , 'flat form.']