noun
Historical term for a checkpoint or barrier station along old roads, used for inspection and control of travelers. Often appears in compound words like 関所 (せきしょ).
See also: 関所
江戸時代には、街道に関が設けられていた。
In the Edo period, barriers were set up along the highways.
「関所」の関は、通行を調べる場所を指す。
The 関 in 関所 refers to a place where passage was inspected.