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.

An edifice or building appropriated to the worship of God; a temple; a church; as the house of God.

A monastery; a college; as a religious house.

The manner of living; the table. He keeps a good house, or a miserable house.

In astrology, the station of a planet in the heavens, or the twelfth part of the heavens.

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.

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.

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.

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 10:2.

Wealth; estate. Ye devour widows’ houses. Matthew 23:14.

The grave; as the house appointed for all living. Job 30:23.

Household affairs; domestic concerns. Set thy house in order. 2 Kings 20:1.

The body; the residence of the soul in this world; as our earthly house. 2 Corinthians 5:1.

The church among the Jews. Moses was faithful in all his house. Hebrews 3:2.

A place of residence. Egypt is called the house of bondage. Exodus 13:3, 14,

A square, or division on a chess board.

houz. To cover from the inclemencies of the weather; to shelter; to protect by covering; as, to house wood; to house farming utensils; to house cattle.

To admit to residence; to harbor. Palladius wished him to house all the Helots.

To deposit and cover, as in the grave.

To drive to a shelter.