saloon-keeper

A saloon-keeper polishes glasses behind the bar.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Owner or manager of a saloon: "saloon-keeper" refers to a person who owns or manages a saloon, which is a place where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed, typically in an American historical or Western context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The saloon-keeper wiped the counter with a cloth. (The owner of the bar cleaned the surface.)
  • In the old Western town, the saloon-keeper was a respected figure. (The manager of the drinking establishment was well-regarded.)

Advanced Usage

• "saloon-keeper's license": a permit required to operate a saloon legally.

  • The saloon-keeper applied for a new license after the old one expired. (The owner sought official permission to continue business.)

• "saloon-keeper's code": an informal set of rules or ethics followed by saloon owners.

  • According to the saloon-keeper's code, no one was served after midnight. (The owner's unwritten rule prohibited service late at night.)

Variants and Related Words

• Saloon (n): a place where alcoholic drinks are served, often with a bar and tables.

  • The saloon was crowded with cowboys on a Saturday night. (The drinking establishment was full of customers.)

• Keeper (n): a person who manages or looks after something.

  • He was a keeper of the local inn. (He managed the local lodging house.)

Synonyms

• Bartender: a person who serves drinks behind a bar (though not necessarily the owner).
• Publican: a person who owns or manages a pub (British English).
• Tavern keeper: a person who runs a tavern, similar to a saloon.

Related Idioms

• "to keep the saloon": to manage or operate a saloon.

  • After his father died, he kept the saloon for many years. (He continued to run the drinking establishment.)

• "saloon-keeper's word": a promise or statement given by the owner, often considered reliable.

  • The sheriff trusted the saloon-keeper's word on the matter. (The lawman believed the owner's account.)