House-dove, subs. (old).—A stay-at-home.
Household-brigade. To join the Household Brigade, verb. phr. (common).—To marry. For synonyms, see Splice.
1881. Home Tidings, April, p. 42, c. 1. Jem Ryan joined the household brigade on Easter Monday, E. New acting as best man.
House of Civil Reception, subs. phr. (old).—A brothel. For synonyms, see Nanny-shop.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
House of Commons (or House of Office), subs. phr. (old).—A W.C. For synonyms, see Mrs. Jones.
1611. Chapman, May-Day, iv., 2. No room save you turn out my wife’s coal-house, and her other house of office attached to it, reserved for her and me sometimes, and will you use it being a stranger?
1748. Smollett, Roderick Random, c. xiii. Taking the candle in his hand, which he had left burning for the purpose, he went down to the house of office.
d. 1780. Robertson of Struan, Poems, 83. So to a House of Office straight a school-boy does repair, To ease his postern of its weight.
House-tailor, subs. (old).—An upholsterer.