turnstile

[Eng. turn, and stile (2).] A post surmounted with four horizontal arms, which revolve as a person pushes by them. Turnstiles are usually placed on roads, bridges, or the like, either to prevent the pa age of beasts, vehicles, or the like, while admitting the pa age of persons, or to bar a pa age temporarily till toll is paid; they are also frequently placed at the entrance to public buildings, or places of amusement, where entrance money is to be collected, or where it is desired to ascertain the number of persons admitted. "A turnstile is more certain Than, in events of war, dame Fortune." Butler: Hudibras, i. 3.