public house

noun

1. British. a tavern.
2. an inn or hostelry.

public house

noun

1. See pub
   the formal name for pub
2. an inn, tavern, or small hotel

Word History and Origins

Origin of public house¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

At length they came to a public-house called the Coach and Horses, a little way beyond which another road appeared to turn off.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, one element of public-house talk—the overt or sly indecency—is left out.

From Project Gutenberg

In an actual public-house parlour the man who can bring in a totally new tale of a dirty nature is the hero of the evening.

From Project Gutenberg

In tracing the natural history of a public-house I have found the respectable dullards the most revolting of my subjects.

From Project Gutenberg

That night Mr. Parsons visited a public house, paid for a glass of ale, and consulted the directory.

From Project Gutenberg