Pronunciation: [tˈɒlbuːθ] (IPA) 
The word "tolbooth" is an old Scottish term that refers to a town's main prison or courthouse. It's pronounced as "tɑlbuθ" according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "t" at the beginning is followed by an "ɑ" sound and a "l". Then, there's a "b" followed by a "u" sound and a "θ" which represents the "th" sound in "thin". Despite its spelling, the word is usually pronounced as "tollbooth".
Tolbooth is a noun referring to a historic term that primarily designates a building or structure used as a prison or a courthouse in Scotland. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "tol" meaning "tax" or "toll" and "booth" meaning "a small temporary structure." In its early usage, the term tolbooth referred to a tax or toll-collection booth, but it later evolved to include a more comprehensive legal and administrative role.
Typically constructed in the heart of a town or city, a tolbooth served as a multifunctional center where various civic activities were conducted. In its capacity as a prison, the tolbooth was responsible for detaining criminals and holding them until their trials or sentencing. As a courthouse, it functioned as a place where legal proceedings, hearings, and trials took place. It also served as a site for collecting taxes, duties, and tolls imposed on goods traded within the town or city.
Historically, tolbooths were often constructed with strong defensive features such as thick walls, fortified doors, and narrow windows. The architecture of these buildings varied, ranging from simple structures to more elaborate designs that showcased the town's prominence or wealth.
Although the primary function of tolbooths eventually changed with the establishment of separate prison facilities and courthouses, the term tolbooth still carries historical significance, representing an important part of Scotland's legal, administrative, and social history.
In Scot., a jail.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tolbooth" originates from Middle English and Scots, combining two separate words: "toll" and "booth".
The term "toll" comes from Old English "toll" or "tollr", which referred to a tax or toll paid for the use of certain roads, bridges, or other transportation infrastructure. It has Indo-European roots related to the Sanskrit "tal" meaning "weighing" or "payment" and the Greek "telos" meaning "tax" or "duty".
The word "booth" comes from Middle English "bothe" and Old Norse "both", meaning a small temporary or movable structure or shelter commonly used for trade, markets, or other commercial activities.
