Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dashboard \Dash"board`\ (d[a^]sh"b[=o]rd`), n.
   1. A board placed on the fore part of a carriage, sleigh, or
      other vehicle, to intercept water, mud, or snow, thrown up
      by the heels of the horses; -- in England commonly called
      {splashboard}.

   2. (Naut.)
      (a) The float of a paddle wheel.
      (b) A screen at the bow af a steam launch to keep off the
          spray; -- called also {sprayboard}.

Source : WordNet®

dashboard
     n 1: protective covering consisting of a panel to protect people
          from the splashing water or mud etc. [syn: {splashboard},
           {splasher}]
     2: instrument panel on an automobile or airplane containing
        dials and controls