Lye

(lī), n. [Also lie and ley.] [A-S. leah, læg, L. Ger. loge, D. loog, O. H. Ger. louga, M. H. Ger. louge, N. H. Ger. lauge, allied to Icel. laug, a bath, lauga, to wash. Cf. LEASH.] Water impregnated with alkaline salt imbibed from the ashes of wood.

n. [Railways.] A short piece of track by the side of the main line, and connected with it at each end, into which cars may be run while loading or unloading, or when not in use; also, one of the several sets of rails used for like purposes at a terminus. [Eng.]