roundhouse

The story

1. Dutch · calque ofrondhuis“guardhouse”
2. English todayroundhouse

From round + house, a calque of Dutch rondhuis (“guardhouse”). First attested in the Mid-15th c.

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. A circular prison, especially a small local lockup or station house.
• from 19th c. A prehistoric dwelling typical of northwest Europe in the Iron Age and Bronze Age.
• from 17th c. The uppermost room or cabin of any note upon the stern of a ship.
• from 19th c. A privy near the bow of a vessel, especially as reserved for officers.
• from 19th c. A circular building in which locomotives are housed, sometimes with a turntable.
• from 20th c. A punch or kick delivered with an exaggerated sweeping movement.