taxi rank

taxi rank (plural taxi ranks)

1. An area reserved for taxi cabs to await customers.

   Synonym: cab rank

   Getting off the train he made his way to the taxi rank.

2. (Britain) The system whereby barristers must accept a brief if they are the first available when one comes up.

   Synonym: cab-rank rule

   Although she detested her client, the taxi rank system meant she had no choice but to take the case.

• taxicab stand, cab stand, taxi stand, cab rank, hack stand