Dictionary entry

Brothel

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Broth″el (�), n. [OE. brothel, brodel, brethel, a prostitute, a worthless fellow, fr. AS. beró�an to ruin, destroy; cf. AS. breótan to break, and E. brittle. The term brothel house was confused with bordel brothel. CF. Bordel.] A house of lewdness or ill fame; a house frequented by prostitutes; a bawdyhouse.