autobahn
(ˈɔːtəʊbɑːn)
Pl. autobahnen, autobahns.
[G., f. auto (auto-2) + bahn path, road, f. MHG. ban(e), MLG., MDu. bāne, usually related to OHG. bano, MHG. ban(e) death, OE. bana bane n.1]
In Germany, a fast motor road; = motorway.
| 1937 Sunday Times 18 Apr. 33/2 In the last six months or so there has sprung up from several quarters a demand for motorways, or autobahnen or autostrade—meaning..new roads for the exclusive use of motor traffic. 1940 D. E. Stevenson English Air i. iv. 35 The Continental roads were the ones for speed—the long straight roads of France, and those new German Autobahn. 1941 Hutchinson's Pict. Hist. War 14 May–8 July 156 (caption) Autobahn bridge near Mannheim extensively damaged after a raid by the R.A.F. 1955 Times 14 June 7/5 It was easy for a Hitler or a Mussolini to drive great autobahns or autostradas through their respective countries. |