[f. FLOATING ppl. a.] In various applications (see quots.).
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Floating-bridge, a Bridge made in form of a Work in Fortification call’d a Redoubt, consisting of Two Boats cover’d with Planks, which ought to be so solidly fram’d as to bear both Horse and Cannon.
1727–41. Chambers, Cycl., Flying or Floating-Bridge, is ordinarily made of two small bridges, laid one over the other, in such a manner, as that the uppermost stretches and runs out, by the help of certain cords running through pullies placed along the sides of the under-bridge.
1842. G. W. Francis, Dict. Arts, etc., Floating Bridge, a collection of beams of timber, of sufficient buoyancy to sustain itself on the surface of a river, and reaching across it.
1858. Simmonds, Dict. Trade, Floating-bridge, a flat-bottomed ferry steam-boat in harbours or rivers, running on chains laid across the bottom, and constructed for the conveyance of passengers, goods, and vehicles.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Floating-bridge, a passage formed across a river or creek by means of bridges of boats.
1889. Century Dict., s.v. Bridge, Floating-bridge, a part of a bridge, supported by a caisson or pontoon, which can swing into and away from the line of roadway.
