1Plumbing a trap fitted where the soil pipe issues from a building in order to prevent sewer gas entering the domestic plumbing system (now chiefly historical).
2Originally US a large aviary-like trap of mesh or wire netting, in which bait is laid to catch live birds.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of house trap in US English:
house trap
noun
1Plumbing a trap fitted where the soil pipe issues from a building in order to prevent sewer gas entering the domestic plumbing system (now chiefly historical).
2Originally US a large aviary-like trap of mesh or wire netting, in which bait is laid to catch live birds.