toll house etymology

Etymology of "Toll House"

The term "toll house" has its origins in the Middle English word "tolhus," which referred to a building where tolls were collected for the use of a road, bridge, or other public facility.

Meaning and Origin of "Toll House"

A toll house is a building where tolls, a type of tax, are collected. Tolls are typically charged for the use of roads, bridges, or other transportation facilities. The collected tolls are used to maintain and improve the public infrastructure.

Toll houses were historically located at strategic points along roads or waterways, such as at the entrance to a town or at a bridge crossing. The buildings were often manned by toll collectors, who would collect the tolls from travelers and issue receipts.

The practice of collecting tolls dates back to ancient times, with evidence of toll roads in the Roman Empire. In medieval Europe, toll houses became more common as feudal lords and governments sought to raise revenue for road construction and maintenance.

Today, toll houses are still used in many parts of the world, although automated toll collection systems have become increasingly common. In addition to their original purpose, toll houses have also been used for various other purposes, such as housing, offices, and museums.

Examples of Toll Houses:

  • The Toll House in Truro, Cornwall, England, is a historic toll house dating back to the 17th century.
  • The Old Toll House in Boston, Massachusetts, is a former toll house that now serves as a restaurant.
  • The Toll House Inn in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a historical inn that was once a toll house.
  • The Toll House Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York, is a former toll house that is now a hotel.

toll house relate terms

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  • toll

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  • booth

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