old tollgate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "old tollgate" for your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "old tollgate crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PIKE: A common abbreviation for 'turnpike', referring to a road where tolls were collected. The term 'pike' itself sometimes referred to the pole used as a barrier at a tollgate.
7 Letters
BARRIER: An old tollgate functioned as a physical obstruction or barrier, used to control access and collect fees from travelers.
8 Letters
TURNPIKE: Historically, a turnpike was a road for which a toll was charged, often guarded by a gate or barrier at intervals where tolls were collected. The term is synonymous with old toll roads.
More About "old tollgate crossword clue"
The term "old tollgate" evokes images of a bygone era when road travel involved stopping at specific points to pay a fee for passage. These gates, often accompanied by a toll house, were critical infrastructure for maintaining roads and bridges before public funding mechanisms were widely established. The system of turnpikes and tollgates originated in the 17th century in England and later spread globally, including significant networks in the United States.
In crosswords, clues related to historical infrastructure like tollgates are frequent. They test a solver's knowledge of historical terms, abbreviations, and the functions of these old systems. Recognizing that "tollgate" can lead to answers like "PIKE" (a shortened form of turnpike) or "BARRIER" (its primary function) is key to cracking these types of clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider historical context: Many crossword clues, especially those using words like "old" or "ancient," point towards historical terms or objects. Think about the original meaning or use of the word.
- Look for synonyms and functions: An "old tollgate" is a barrier, and its function is related to collecting tolls. Always consider what the object does or what it is like.
- Check for abbreviations: As seen with "PIKE" for "TURNPIKE," crosswords often use shortened forms of words. If a clue feels too short for a direct synonym, think of common abbreviations or parts of longer words.
- Utilize letter counts: Always count the letters of the given blank spaces. This immediately narrows down your potential answers and helps confirm guesses.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical meaning of 'tollgate'?
Historically, a tollgate was a barrier or gate erected on a road to stop traffic and collect a toll from travelers, typically used to fund road maintenance or construction. These were common on turnpike roads before the modern highway system.
Why might 'PIKE' be an answer for 'old tollgate'?
PIKE is a common crossword answer for 'old tollgate' because it's a shortened form of 'turnpike', which historically refers to a toll road. The 'pike' itself was often a physical barrier or pole used at the tollgate.
How does 'BARRIER' relate to 'old tollgate' in crosswords?
A 'tollgate' fundamentally served as a 'barrier' to control the flow of traffic and ensure that tolls were paid. In crosswords, clues can sometimes refer to the function or nature of an object, making BARRIER a suitable answer.