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

"Texas," however, stopped to call on the house detective.

From Time Magazine Archive

But he was restrained by the house detective who held him while Buck and his crony slunk away.

From The Radio Boys at the Sending Station Making Good in the Wireless Room by Chapman, Allen