right-of-way
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right–of–way

noun \ˌrīt-ə(v)-ˈwā\
plural rights–of–way also right–of–ways

Definition of RIGHT-OF-WAY

1
: a legal right of passage over another person's ground
2
a : the area over which a right-of-way exists
b : the strip of land over which is built a public road
c : the land occupied by a railroad especially for its main line
d : the land used by a public utility (as for a transmission line)
3
a : a precedence in passing accorded to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute
b : the right of traffic to take precedence
c : the right to take precedence over others <gave the bill the right–of–way in the Senate>

First Known Use of RIGHT-OF-WAY

1768

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