(rail transport, UK) A railway vehicle which provided extra braking on freight trains with unfitted wagons (without automatic brakes) hauled by diesel locomotives, which being generally lighter than steam locomotives had less braking power. With the phasing out of unfitted wagons the brake tenders became redundant.

(rail transport, also used adverbially) Of a steam locomotive with a tender (a tender locomotive), when it is operating in reverse, with the tender leading.

plural of tender engine

(rail transport) Any steam locomotive that has a tender attached, carrying its supply of fuel and water; the term is normally used to distinguish from a tank engine.

plural of tender cab

(rail transport) A section of cab added to the front of a steam locomotive tender, to provide protection for the engine crew in inclement weather when running tender-first.

(aviation, nautical, historical) A ship used to support operations of a balloon or dirigible, particularly observation balloon operations

(aviation, nautical, historical) A ship used to support operations of a blimp or dirigible

plural of tendency writing