Definition of carriageway

The word "carriageway" has its origins in the 14th century. It comes from the Old French words "carrege," meaning "wagon" or "chariot," and "voie," meaning "way" or "road." Initially, a carriageway referred to a route or path suitable for carts and carriages. Over time, the term's meaning expanded to encompass any road or pathway specifically designed for horse-drawn vehicles, such as coach roads or tracks. In the 19th century, as rail transportation became more prevalent, the term "carriageway" began to take on a more specific meaning, referring to the paved or surfaced sections of roads designed for horse-drawn vehicles, separate from pedestrian or footpath areas. Today, a carriageway is often used interchangeably with "pavement" or "roadway," although its historical connotation remains evident in its name.