Definition of: lobby

(lob′ē) noun plural ·bies
1. A hall, vestibule, or corridor on the main floor of a large public building, as a theater or hotel; a lounge; foyer.
2. The part of an assembly–room of a legislative or deliberative body not appropriated to the official use of members, and to which outsiders have free entry.
3. U.S. The persons or groups of persons who accost or solicit legislators in order to influence the action of a legislative body in the interest of a special group, industry, etc.: so called because supposed to frequent lobbies.
4. A cold–storage chamber for the temporary storage of ice.
—v. ·bied, ·by·ing v.i. To attempt to influence a legislator or legislators in favor of one's own interests.
—v.t. To attempt to obtain passage or defeat of (a bill, etc.) by such means. [<Med. L lobia. Doublet of LODGE, noun, LOGE, LOGGIA.]