porter-house
Definition
Noun: - A type of steak: "porter-house" refers to a high-quality cut of beefsteak, specifically a large T-bone steak that includes a tenderloin and a strip steak. - An establishment: Historically, "porter-house" also denotes a tavern or restaurant that served porter (a type of dark beer) and food, particularly steaks.
Usage Examples
- (A large T-bone steak with both tenderloin and strip cuts.)
- (A tavern that served porter beer and meals.)
Advanced Usage
"Porter-house steak": The full term often used in menus to specify the cut.
- The chef recommends the porter-house steak for its rich flavor and tenderness. (The large T-bone cut is prized for its taste.)
Historical context: The term "porter-house" originated in 18th-century London, where such establishments served porter beer and simple meals.
- In Victorian London, a porter-house was a common place for working-class men to drink and eat. (A tavern associated with porter beer.)
Variants and Related Words
Porterhouse (n): a single-word spelling variant, equally common.
- We shared a porterhouse at the steakhouse. (A large T-bone steak.)
Porter (n): a dark, strong beer historically associated with porter-houses.
- He drank a pint of porter at the local pub. (A type of dark beer.)
Synonyms
- T-bone steak: a cut of beef with a T-shaped bone, similar to but often smaller than a porter-house.
- Steakhouse cut: a general term for high-quality steak served in steakhouses.
Related Idioms
- "A porter-house feast": a metaphorical phrase for a lavish meal centered on steak.
- After winning the game, they had a porter-house feast to celebrate. (A large, indulgent steak dinner.)