air-line

American  

[air-lahyn] / ˈɛərˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. straight; direct; traveling a direct route.

   Some railroads advertise air-line routes between stations.

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Etymology

Origin of air-line

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

They dread his competition in securing Government contracts, but would be delighted to see him use his unique experience in air transportation in an experimental air-line venture here.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is not to be confused with Gordiou-kome, refounded as Juliopolis, a Bithynian town on a small tributary of the Sangarius, about 47 m. in an air-line N.W. of Gordium.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

He is the clipper of the skies' air-line.

From The Puddleford Papers, Or Humors of the West by Riley, H. H.

Three trails led southward from Jessup's Landing,—one in almost an air-line to Kinaquariones.

From The Life and Times of Kateri Tekakwitha The Lily of the Mohawks by Walworth, Ellen H.

The road ran straight over mountains and pitched deep down ravines, the surveyors having evidently kept only in view the shortest air-line between places.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 71, September, 1863 by Various