sponging house

noun

: a house usually maintained by a bailiff for keeping debtors for a day to afford opportunity to come to terms with their creditors

Word History

Etymology

sponging (gerund of sponge entry 2) + house; from the extortionate charges made there for food and lodging

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Dictionary Entries Near sponging house

spongin

sponging house

spongingly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sponging house.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sponging%20house. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

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