What is the origin of 'sleep tight'?
Read moreOne of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
In France and other French-speaking countries: a major highway.
Mid 19th century. From French route nationale one of a system of public long-distance roads in France, originally radiating from Paris (1830; earlier in more general senses, also with reference to countries other than France; compare national road) from route + nationale, feminine of national.