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. Mat 23.

11. The grave; as the house appointed for all living. Job 30.

12. Household affairs; domestic concerns.

Set thy house in order. 2 Ki 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. Exo 13.

16. A square, or division on a chess board.

, 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.