Carriage

Carriage is a term used for several related concepts. Most commonly, it denotes a wheeled vehicle for transporting people, either drawn by horses or powered by other means. It can also refer to a unit of a railway train designed to carry passengers, a building used to store or house such vehicles, or the way a person or animal bears or carries itself, as in posture or bearing.

In the context of horse-drawn transport, carriages evolved from early carts and coaches and reached a high level of design in Europe from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Typical features included a sprung suspension, wheels with metal rims, and seats arranged for passengers. Designs varied by function and status; common types include the chaise (an open, light carriage), the landau (a four-wheeled, often folding-top design), the phaeton (a light, high-bodied open carriage), and the brougham (a closed, four-wheeled carriage named after a Scottish judge). Carriages were often drawn by teams of horses and used by the well-to-do for travel and ceremonial occasions.

Railway carriages, or coaches, are passenger-carrying units that form part of a train. They come in various configurations, including open-sided or enclosed cars, sleeping or dining cars, and compartment or open-plan layouts. Modern carriages are typically mounted on bogies (wheel assemblies) and connected by couplers, with interiors designed for comfort, safety, and accessibility. The term “carriage” in railways contrasts with freight wagons, which are designed for goods.

Other uses include the carriage house or coach house, a building for storing and servicing carriages, and the concept of carriage in anatomy or movement, referring to the manner in which someone carries themselves. The word’s usage reflects both historical transportation practices and broader notions of bearing and structure.