Hyper Dictionary

English Dictionary Computer Dictionary Thesaurus Dream Dictionary Medical Dictionary


Search Dictionary:  

Meaning of TURNPIKE

Pronunciation:  'turn`pIk

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. [n]  an expressway on which tolls are collected
  2. [n]  (from 16th to 19th centuries) gates set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid
 
 Sponsored Links: 
 
 See Also: expressway, freeway, gate, motorway, pike, state highway, superhighway, throughway, thruway

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. \Turn"pike`\, n. [Turn + pike.]
    1. A frame consisting of two bars crossing each other at
       right angles and turning on a post or pin, to hinder the
       passage of beasts, but admitting a person to pass between
       the arms; a turnstile. See {Turnstile}, 1.
             I move upon my axle like a turnpike.  --B. Jonson.
    2. A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages,
       animals, and sometimes people, till toll is paid for
       keeping the road in repair; a tollgate.
    3. A turnpike road. --De Foe.
    4. A winding stairway. [Scot.] --Sir W. Scott.
    5. (Mil.) A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a
       cheval-de-frise. [R.]
    {Turnpike man}, a man who collects tolls at a turnpike.
    {Turnpike road}, a road on which turnpikes, or tollgates, are
       established by law, in order to collect from the users
       tolls to defray the cost of building, repairing, etc.
    
  2. \Turn"pike`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Turnpiked}; p. pr. &
    vb. n. {Turnpiking}.]
    To form, as a road, in the manner of a turnpike road; into a
    rounded form, as the path of a road. --Knowles.
    
 

 

COPYRIGHT © 2000-2003 WEBNOX CORP. HOME | ABOUT HYPERDICTIONARY