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.