[SUB- 3.] An underground passage for conveying water-pipes, gas-pipes, telegraph wires, etc.; an underground tunnel by which pedestrians may pass from one point to another below a road or roads.
1828. J. Williams (title), An historical account of sub-ways in the British Metropolis, for the flow of Pure Water and Gas into the houses of the inhabitants, Without disturbing the Pavements.
1834. Penny Cycl., II. 263/1. By means of it [sc. an arched structure] … subways, or sewers, are made to pass under heavy structures and along streets, with … safety.
1884. Law Times Rep., N. S. LI. 540/1. There was no bridge or subway for passengers to cross the line by.
attrib. 1887. Dict. Archit., s.v., The city of London and Southwark subway company.
1888. Advance (Chicago), 26 April, 260. A subway commission that for two years have drawn good salaries for not putting their wires under ground.
b. U.S. An underground railway.
1904. Daily Chron., 29 Oct., 3/7. The subway is being extended to Brooklyn by tunnel under the East River. Ibid. (1905), 8 March, 5/4. The collision on the subway line occurred on the north-bound track at Twenty-third Street.
1911. N. & Q., 2nd Ser. IV. 487/1. The New York Subway, with an extent of some 25 miles, including the tracks for local and express trains, has been so designated since it was opened in 1905.
