Moreover, apart from official restrictions, drivers do not a little easing of their engines on their own account, where they consider that the feel of the track makes this desirable; and they can hardly be blamed in consequence. It is better to be safe than sorry. 1947 September and October, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 320:
Then everyone moved at the same time — slight shiftings of the hands and feet, furtive easings of position. 1978, Jack Vance, The View from Chickweed's Window: