brothel

plural brothels

1. A house of prostitution.

   Thus, during the last four years, I have visited brothels about every ten days or two weeks. Only seldom does coitus fail; for I have learned my peculiarities, and in the choice of a prostitute know immediately whether she will excite me or have no effect.

   1893, Richard von Krafft-Ebing, “Congenital Homo-sexuality”, in Charles Gilbert Chaddock, transl., Psychopathia Sexualis, The F. A. Davis Co., page 245

   1 more example

   Only women already existing in the social margins became actresses.²⁶ For example, celebrated tragedienne Elizabeth Barry was an orphan, Nell Gwynn a barmaid raised in a brothel, Moll Davis the illegitimate daughter of a Colonel. Other actresses were the wives and daughters of male actors, as for example Mary Saunderson (Mrs Betterton) and (in a later period) Mrses Kean, Kemble and Siddons.

   2003, Rob Baum, Female Absence: Women, Theatre, and Other Metaphors, Brussels: P.I.E.-Peter Lang, →ISBN, page 89

   Synonyms: academy, bawdy-house, bordello, cathouse, crib, disorderly house, house of accommodation, house of ill fame

plural brothels

1. obsoleteA wretch; a depraved or lewd person.

   Synonyms: academy, bawdy-house, bordello, cathouse, disorderly house, crib, house of accommodation, house of ill fame