lob•by
Pronunciation: (lob'ē), [key]
— n., pl. v., -bies, -bied, -by•ing.
—n.
- an entrance hall, corridor, or vestibule, as in a public building, often serving as an anteroom; foyer.
- a large public room or hall adjacent to a legislative chamber.
- a group of persons who work or conduct a campaign to influence members of a legislature to vote according to the group's special interest.
—v.i.
- to solicit or try to influence the votes of members of a legislative body.
—v.t.
- to try to influence the actions of (public officials, esp. legislators).
- to urge or procure the passage of (a bill), by lobbying.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.