n. A road or way open to the use of the public, especially a paved main road or thoroughfare between towns; in the latter sense it contrasts with local street; as, on the highways and byways.
Syn. -- Way; road; path; course. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.; pl. Highwaymen One who robs on the public road; a highway robber. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. 1. Robbery committed on the public roads. [ PJC ]
2. An excessively high price or fee; -- used especially in situations where the buyer has little or no choice but to buy the item offered. [ PJC ]