dram-shop

A man steps out of a dram-shop onto a cobblestone street.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A "dram-shop" is a place where alcoholic beverages, especially spirits such as whiskey or gin, are sold and consumed by the drink. It is an older, somewhat archaic term for a bar, tavern, or saloon.

Usage Examples

• (A place where drinks are served by the glass.)
• (A small establishment selling alcoholic beverages.)

Advanced Usage

• "dram-shop keeper": the owner or manager of a dram-shop.

  • The dram-shop keeper knew every customer by name and their preferred drink. (The person who runs the establishment.)

• "dram-shop liability": a legal term referring to the responsibility of a bar or similar establishment for injuries caused by an intoxicated customer.

  • Under dram-shop liability laws, the bar could be sued for serving alcohol to a visibly drunk patron. (A legal concept related to serving alcohol.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dram (n): a small drink of alcohol, especially spirits.

  • He took a dram of brandy to warm himself. (A small measure of liquor.)

• Dram-shop (n): the word itself is a compound of "dram" (a drink) and "shop" (a place of business).

Synonyms

• Bar: a place where alcoholic drinks are served.
• Tavern: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed.
• Saloon: a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served, often associated with the Old West.

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "dram-shop" as a noun. However, related verbs include:
  • Drink up: to finish a drink.

    • The patrons drank up before the dram-shop closed. (To consume the remaining drink.)

Related Idioms

• "A dram of good cheer": a small amount of alcohol taken for enjoyment or comfort.
  • After a long day, he enjoyed a dram of good cheer at the dram-shop. (A small, pleasant drink.)