chicane

n. a barricaded, tightly curved, or zig-zagged roadway that forces traffic to slow while still permitting it to pass; the series of structures which form such a roadway. Subjects: English, Architecture, Automobiles & Transportation, Jargon

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Citations: 1956 Frank M. Blunk New York Times (Aug. 10) “New Autor Racing Era” p. 14: They will spend Saturday, Aug. 18, practicing on the course, which will have the usual “chicane” and the usual quota of sharp turns. 1960 Palladium-Times (Oswego, N.Y.) (Oct. 8) “Crack Drivers Race Sunday At Watkins Glen” (in Watkins Glen, N.Y.) p. 9: Race officials have bypassed the abrupt chicane curve at the southern end of the 2.3-mile closed course to speed lap times. 1977 Barry Lorge @ Monte Carlo Washington Post (May 22) “Checkered Flag for Ambience” p. C1: The course is filled with curves and straightways, hairpins and chicanes that are familiar to racing buffs around the world. 1984 Washington Post (Sept. 22) “Criticism of Security At Embassy Rises”: A maze-like series of four concrete barriers known as a chicane was constructed at the head of the street where the building was located. The suicide van managed to get through that series of barriers. 2004 Centre Daily (State College, Pa.) (May 24) “Glossary of terms”: Chicane: A series of curving curb extensions that alternate from one side of the road to the other.

Posted 25 May 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend