Kissing gate

[justcarol67]

Were any other non-British readers confused by "kissing gate"? I found
a detailed definition, complete with a photo, which I found very
helpful at answers.com:

http://www.answers.com/topic/kissing-gate

In short, a kissing gate is "a type of gate mostly used between fields
which allows people to cross but prevents animals from crossing."
According to the little article, "The normal construction is a half
round or rectangular or trapezial [sic for "trapezoidal"] or V-shaped
enclosure with a hinged gate which can be pushed against the enclosure
in either direction. When the gate is parked at either end of the
enclosure, there is no gap to pass through. However, the gate can be
pushed open so that a gap is made between the gate and the enclosure
wall allowing people to pass through."

The article provides a folk etymology followed by a guess at the
actual etymology: "Some say that the name 'kissing gate' derives from
the custom and practice of the first person through the gate demanding
a kiss from the following person in order to be allowed through. Sadly
it is more likely to be a reference to the touching of the parts when
opened fully either way, a function commonly referred to in
engineering as 'kissing'."

At any rate, I had no idea what a kissing gate was and thought it was
ironic that Harry and Hermione, whom JKR is at pains to show are like
a sister and brother and not interested in each other romantically,
have to pass through one. The photograph was more helpful than
anything else in clarifying the concept.

Carol, who has never seen a kissing gate in the U.S. and never
encountered the term before DH