See Also: turnpike(medicine)
turnpike(dictionary)
turnpike(dictionary)
TURNPIKE(law)

turnpike (iou)



turnpike noun & verb. LME.
[from TURN verb + PIKE noun1.]
A. noun.
I.
Hist. A spiked barrier fixed in or across a road or passage, as a defence against sudden attack. LME.
A turnstile. M16-M18.
A barrier across a stream allowing the water to flow, but obstructing cattle. Also, a lock on a navigable stream. E17-M18.
Hist.
a. A toll-gate. L17.
b. A trust or committee responsible for the maintenance of a turnpike. Also turnpike trust. E18.
a. Hist. A road on which a toll was collected at a toll-gate. Also turnpike road. M18.
b. A motorway on which a toll is charged. US. M20.
A small cake used to raise bread. US local. M19.
II.
A spiral staircase. Scot. E16.
Comb.: turnpike gate = sense 4a above; turnpike road: see sense 5a above; turnpike sailor arch. a beggar in the guise of a distressed sailor; turnpike trust: see sense 4b above.
b. verb trans. Erect turnpikes on (a road). L18.
turnpiker noun (a) a foot-traveller; (b) arch. = turnpike sailor above: E19.