What does switch mean in 1876?

In 1876, "switch" primarily referred to a device used in railroads to change the track direction for trains. It could also denote a lever or mechanism used to divert electricity in telegraph systems, reflecting the technological advancements of the time. Additionally, the term was used colloquially to mean to change or exchange something. Overall, the context of its use in 1876 would largely revolve around transportation and communication.