on the street

Street Street (str[=e]t), n. [OE. strete, AS. str[=ae]t, fr. L. strata (sc. via) a paved way, properly fem. p. p. of sternere, stratum, to spread; akin to E. strew. See {Strew}, and cf. {Stratum}, {Stray}, v. & a.] 1. Originally, a paved way or road; a public highway; now commonly, a thoroughfare in a city or village, bordered by dwellings or business houses. [1913 Webster]

He removed [the body of] Amasa from the street unto the field. --Coverdale. [1913 Webster]

At home or through the high street passing. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Note: In an extended sense, street designates besides the roadway, the walks, houses, shops, etc., which border the thoroughfare. [1913 Webster]

His deserted mansion in Duke Street. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

2. the roadway of a street[1], as distinguished from the sidewalk; as, children playing in the street. [PJC]

3. the inhabitants of a particular street; as, the whole street knew about their impending divorce. [PJC]

{The street} (Broker's Cant), that thoroughfare of a city where the leading bankers and brokers do business; also, figuratively, those who do business there; as, the street would not take the bonds.

{on the street}, (a) homeless. (b) unemployed. (a) not in prison, or released from prison; the murderer is still on the street.

{Street Arab}, {Street broker}, etc. See under {Arab}, {Broker}, etc.

{Street door}, a door which opens upon a street, or is nearest the street.

{street person}, a homeless person; a vagrant. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Syn: See {Way}. [1913 Webster]