right of way

right of way also right-of-way   (rīt'əv-wā') n.   pl. rights of way or right of ways also rights-of-way (rīts'-) or right-of-ways (-wāz') The right to pass over property owned by another party. The path or thoroughfare on which such passage is made. The strip of land over which facilities such as highways, railroads, or power lines are built. The customary or legal right of a person, vessel, or vehicle to pass in front of another.

Main Entry: right of way
1 : an easement or servitude over another's land conferring a right of passage
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 esp. 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

right of way

1. The right of one person or vehicle to travel over another's property, as in The new owner doesn't like it, but hikers have had the right of way through these woods for decades. [Mid-1700s]

2. The right to precede another person or vehicle, as in Sailboats always have the right of way over motorboats, and swimmers do over any kind of boat. [Early 1900s]