Turnpike

Origin

From Middle English turnpyke ("spiked barrier across a road"), originally used to block access to such a road until toll was paid.

Full definition of turnpike

Noun

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 animals, but admitting a person to pass between the arms; a turnstile.
• Ben JonsonI move upon my axle like a turnpike.
2. A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages, animals, and sometimes people, until a toll is paid; a tollgate.
3. (Scotland) A winding stairway.
4. (military) A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a cheval-de-frise.
5. (US) A toll road, especially a toll expressway.
6. A road that was formerly a toll road.

Verb

1. To form (a road, etc.) in the manner of a turnpike road; into a rounded form, as the path of a road.----