turnpike etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle English torepike, turnepyke, tornepyk, from Anglo-Norman French tournepique, tornepique, tornepicque, from Medieval Latin turna picca, from Late Latin turna, turning post, from Latin tornare, to turn + Late Latin picca, pike, spike.

Meaning:

A toll road, especially a major highway with multiple lanes.

Origin:

The term "turnpike" originally referred to a barrier or gate with spikes that could be turned to block a road. These barriers were used to collect tolls from travelers, and the roads they protected became known as "turnpikes."

The use of turnpikes to finance road construction and maintenance became widespread in England in the 18th century. Private companies would be given the right to build and maintain a road in exchange for the right to collect tolls from users.

The turnpike system in England reached its peak in the early 19th century, with over 100,000 miles of turnpike roads being built. However, the invention of the automobile in the late 19th century led to a decline in the use of turnpikes, as people preferred to drive on free roads.

Today, the term "turnpike" is still used to refer to major highways, especially in the United States. However, these roads are typically publicly owned and maintained, and tolls are no longer collected.

turnpike relate terms

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