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Dictionary definition of “shot house”

shot house

n. a place where alcohol is (illegally) sold by the drink. Subjects: English, Crime & Prisons, Food & Drink

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Citations: 1860 William Tweedie Harry Birkett: A Man Who Helped Himself (London, England) p. 309: When she was at the “shot-house,” she was asked when she came in what she would take, and her reply was, “A glass of whisky, if you please!” 1928 New York Times (Oct. 10) “Liquor Toll Inquiry Ordered By Tuttle” p. 1: In two places on the Bowery and one on Park Row arrests were made and alleged liquor confiscated. The police say that the three places were “shot houses” where liquor is sold at 5, 10 or 15 cents a drink. 1986 Bob Dvorchak (Associated Press) (Nov. 30) “Liquor Agents Say white Lightning May Be Striking Again”: A liquor store can’t sell on credit or after hours or to minors. A bootlegger or a shot house can sell all night. 2006 Tim Sturrock Macon Telegraph (Georgia) (Dec. 27) “Man shot to death; police have no suspects”: Police are still investigating who drove Willis to the hospital and whether he was shot inside or outside a possible “shot house,” a term for a house that serves alcohol without a license.

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