witness-post
n.— «It is extremely important that the points S and L of each spiral should be secured by permanent monuments in the centre of the track, and by witness-posts at the side of the road. The posts should be painted and lettered so that they may serve as guides to the trackmen in their subsequent efforts to grade and “line up” the track.» —by William H. Searles The Railroad Spiral (New York) , 1882. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Some college students are using the word loyalty as a synonym for monogamy. Are the meanings of these words now shifting? Plus, a biologist discovers a new species of bat, then names it after a poet he admires. Also, warm memories of how a childhood...
A documentary film called My Beautiful Stutter follows youngsters at a summer camp specifically for stutterers. It’s a place for finding acceptance, support, and confidence for navigating the larger world. And:, “The High Priestess of...