house detective

American  

noun

1. an employee of a department store, hotel, etc., employed to prevent thefts, violations of regulations, or other forms of misconduct on the part of patrons.

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Etymology

Origin of house detective

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

He’s got the look of a house detective.

From Golf Digest • Mar. 27, 2020

Another principal figure was the arrested Hilton Hotel house detective, 39-year-old Ed Murphy.

From Slate • Jul. 11, 2012

I was asked more than once to leave the Plaza Hotel, ushered out by the house detective.

From New York Times • May 28, 2012

In the morning, a house detective found a velvet mask, a revolver, in the trunk of one Eric Nelson, British, in the cubicle overhead.

From Time Magazine Archive

"If you're the house detective, why do you mix up in this affair?" enquired Mershone, his anxiety showing in his tone.

From Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)