Where does “brothelkeeper” come from?
brothelkeeper (English) comes from English brothel, from Middle English brothel, from Old English brēoþel, from Proto-Germanic breuþaną, from Proto-Indo-European bʰer- — to bear, carry.
brothelkeeper (English): Someone who operates a brothel
Definitions
- Someone who operates a brothel
Ancestry of “brothelkeeper”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | English | brothel | A house of prostitution; A wretch; a depraved or... |
| 2 | Middle English | brothel | — |
| 3 | Old English | brēoþel | degenerative, corruptive |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | breuþaną | to fall apart; crumble |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰer- | to bear, carry |