brothel keeper
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A woman who owns, manages, or is in charge of the operations of a brothel; a female proprietor of a house of prostitution.
Usage
This term specifically refers to a woman in a position of management or ownership over a brothel. It is a formal and somewhat dated term, often found in historical, legal, or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
Examples
- The historical records identified her as the brothel keeper of the most infamous establishment in the district.
- In the novel, the character of the shrewd brothel keeper controls much of the town's underground economy.
- The law targeted not only the prostitutes but also the brothel keepers who profited from their work.
Advanced Usage
- The term can carry connotations of exploitation and criminality, but in some historical or fictional portrayals, the brothel keeper may be depicted as a complex figure operating within the constraints of her society.
Variants and Related Words
- Madam (noun): A more common, though still informal, term for a woman who runs a brothel. (e.g., )
- Procurer/Procuress (noun): A person, specifically a woman in the case of "procuress," who obtains clients for prostitutes. This role is related to but distinct from that of a brothel keeper, who manages the physical establishment.
Synonyms
- Madam
- Bordello keeper
- House mistress (in specific contexts)
Notes on Meaning
This term is highly specific and refers exclusively to a female manager/owner. The gender-neutral or male equivalent would simply be "brothel owner" or "brothel manager." The word "keeper" in this context implies control, supervision, and responsibility for the premises and its business.
Noun
- a woman who runs a house of prostitution