Cage (?), n. [F. cage, fr. L. cavea cavity, cage, fr. cavus hollow. Cf. Cave, n., Cajole, Gabion.]
1. A box or inclosure, wholly or partly of openwork, in wood or metal, used for confining birds or other animals.
In his cage, like parrot fine and gay.
Cowper.
2. A place of confinement for malefactors Shak.
Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage.
Lovelace.
3. (Carp.) An outer framework of timber, inclosing something within it; as, the cage of a staircase. Gwilt.
4. (Mach.) (a) A skeleton frame to limit the motion of a loose piece, as a ball valve. (b) A wirework strainer, used in connection with pumps and pipes.
5. The box, bucket, or inclosed platform of a lift or elevator; a cagelike structure moving in a shaft.
6. (Mining) The drum on which the rope is wound in a hoisting whim.
7. (Baseball) The catcher's wire mask.