HOUSE, n. hous. [L. casa; Heb. to put on, to cover.] 1. In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but appropriately, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, mansion or abode for any of the human species. It may be of any size and composed of any materials whatever, wood, stone, brick, &c.2. An edifice or building appropriated to the worship of God; a temple; a church; as the house of God.3. A monastery; a college; as a religious house.4. The manner of living; the table. He keeps a good house, or a miserable house.5. In astrology, the station of a planet in the heavens, or the twelfth part of the heavens.6. A family of ancestors; descendants and kindred; a race of persons from the same stock; a tribe. It particularly denotes a noble family or an illustrious race; as the house of Austria; the house of Hanover. So in Scripture, the house of Israel,or of Judah. Two of a house few ages can afford.7. One of the estates of a kingdom assembled in parliament or legislature; a body of men united in their legislative capacity, and holding their place by right or by election. Thus we say, the house of lords or peers of Great Britain; the house of commons; the house of representatives. In most of the United States, the legislatures consist of two houses, the senate, and the house of representatives or delegates.8. The quorum of a legislative body; the number of representatives assembled who are constitutionally empowered to enact laws. Hence we say, there is a sufficient number of representatives present to form a house.9. In Scripture, those who dwell in a house and compose a family; a household. Cornelius was a devout man, and feared God with all his house. Acts.10. 10. Wealth; estate. Ye devour widows' houses. Matt.23. 11. The grave; as the house appointed for all living. Job.30. 12. Household affairs; domestic concerns. Set thy house in order. 2 Kings.20. 13. The body; the residence of the soul in this world; as our earthly house. 2 Cor.5. 14. The church among the Jews. Moses was faithful in all his house. Heb.3. 15. A place of residence. Egypt is called the house of bondage. Ex.13. 16. A square, or division on a chess board. HOUSE, v.t. houz. To cover from the inclemencies of the weather; to shelter; to protect by covering; as, to house wood; to house farming utensils; to house cattle. 1. To admit to residence; to harbor. Palladius wished him to house all the Helots.2. To deposit and cover, as in the grave.3. To drive to a shelter.HOUSE, v.i. houz. To take shelter or lodgings; to keep abode; to reside. To house with darkness and with death.1. To have an astrological station in the heavens. Where Saturn houses.
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