definition
strict definition
gatehouse
A small entrance office or station that controls admission, distributes materials, or collects payments.
A gatehouse is a small office or station at the entrance to a complex, attraction, parking lot, or other specially designated area. Its purpose is to restrict admission, to hand out materials, or to collect payments.
The station stands at the entrance to a designated area. That area can be a complex, attraction, or parking lot rather than only a gated estate.
The listed functions can occur separately or together. Collecting an admission payment is included, but a fee is not mandatory for every gatehouse.
