Street (?), n. [OE. strete, AS. strt, fr. L. strata (sc. via) a paved way, properly fem. p.p. of sternere, stratum, to spread; akin to E. strew. See Strew, and cf. Stratum, Stray, v. & a.]

Originally, a paved way or road; a public highway; now commonly, a thoroughfare in a city or village, bordered by dwellings or business houses.

He removed [the body of] Amasa from the street unto the field. Coverdale.

At home or through the high street passing. Milton.

⇒ In an extended sense, street designates besides the roadway, the walks, houses, shops, etc., which border the thoroughfare.

His deserted mansion in Duke Street. Macaulay.

The street Broker's Cant, that thoroughfare of a city where the leading bankers and brokers do business; also, figuratively, those who do business there; as, the street would not take the bonds. -- Street Arab, Street broker, etc. See under Arab, Broker, etc. -- Street door, a door which opens upon a street, or is nearest the street.

Syn. -- See Way.

 

© Webster 1913.