Lobby /(?)/

pl. Lobbies

1. A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved. (Arch.)
2. That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators; [U. S.]
3. An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck. (Naut.)
4. A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard. (Agric.)

imp. & p. p. Lobbied; p. pr. & vb. n. Lobbying

1. To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes; in an extended sense, to try to influence decision-makers in any circumstance. [U.S.]

1. To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill; -- also used with the legislators as object; as, to lobby the state legislatuire for protection. [U.S.]