brothellingbrothelingn.
/ˈbrɒθl̩ɪŋ/, /ˈbrɒθlɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈbrɔθ(ə)lɪŋ/, /ˈbrɑθ(ə)lɪŋ/, /ˈbrɔð(ə)lɪŋ/, /ˈbrɑð(ə)lɪŋ/ 1. The action or practice of frequenting brothels to engage in sexual activity with prostitutes.Recorded earliest as a modifier.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > frequenting prostitutes > frequenting brothels
brothelling1591
brothel haunting1692
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 97 If he had any courage..it is dulled & worne away, in tipling and brotheling houses.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Bordelage, brothelling, wenching, whoore-hunting.
1651 C. G. Cock English-law 44 They are now bound apprentice to the Trade, as well as to tapping, whether of wine or beer; why not as well to Brothelling?
1828 J. Bee Living Picture London ii. 202 A numerous and entirely new class has been created in cockney society.., which may be termed the crimping class: showy, fascinating, talkative, vulgar, wagering.., brothelling.
1959 Wu Lien-Teh Plague Fighter 480 Opium keeps the masses quiet and law-abiding.., and ‘brothelling’ relieves them of pent-up passions.
1991 G. Baratham Sayang (2000) iv. 62 I cannot remember ever being so uninvolved with my own pleasure even in my brothelling days.
2015 Guardian (Lagos) (Nexis) 2 Apr. Brothelling can be done in some parts of a city but not in others.
2. The action or occupation of receiving payment for engaging in sexual activity with someone, esp. in a brothel; prostitution.
ΚΠ
1989 B. Wineapple Genêt v. 79 Janet and Solita told her about the night they went brothelling together.
2005 J. van de Ruit Spud (2008) 75 Mum and Dad have decided to bide their time until they catch her in the act of brothelling and then fire her once and for all.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2022).
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n.1591