poorhouse

[ poo r-hous ]

/ ˈpʊərˌhaʊs /

(formerly) an institution in which paupers were maintained at public expense.

Origin of poorhouse

First recorded in 1735–45; poor + house

He doesn't mean very much to me—just enough so that I don't relish his going to the poorhouse, that's all.'

The Story Of Waitstill Baxter |By Kate Douglas Wiggin
She could not treat him like a common tenant of the poorhouse, and he was sure she would keep his secret.

Little Tora, The Swedish Schoolmistress and Other Stories |Mrs. Woods Baker
Weary old-age from Pennygreen poorhouse taking its pleasure of cakes and ale half suspiciously in the broad sunshine.

The History of Sir Richard Calmady |Lucas Malet
Following a secret plan, she adopted a boy from the poorhouse, and brought him up with every advantage that money could buy.

The Promised Land |Mary Antin

It has charge of the county property, including the court-house, jail, and poorhouse.

Our Government: Local, State, and National: Idaho Edition |J.A. James

poorhouse

/ (ˈpʊəˌhaʊs, ˈpɔː-) /

(formerly) a publicly maintained institution offering accommodation to the poor