High street
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High.street.ilfracombe.arp.750pix.jpg
High Street, or the High Street is the generic name (and frequently the official name) of the primary business street of towns or cities in the United Kingdom. It is usually a focal point for shops and retailers in the central business district. The equivalent in the United States of America is Main Street.
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History
Starting at least 10 centuries ago, the word 'high' gradually evolved to also mean something excellent or of superior rank, as evidenced in high sheriff and high society. It was applied to roads as they improved, and the word highway has been recorded from the early ninth century. "High Street" began to be used to describe the thoroughfares containing the main retail areas in villages and towns.
Usage
The term "High Street" is often used to describe common stores found on a typical high street, to differentiate them from more specialist or less common outlets. For example, someone might refer to "High Street banks" or "High Street stores".
See also
High Street is the name of a Peak/Ridge in the English Lake District.
External links
- World Wide Words Etymology of High Street (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-hig2.htm)
- Pictures and information about many of the High Streets in Britain (http://www.high.st/)