tavern n : a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks [syn: tap house]

English

Etymology

From taverne ‘wine shop’, from taberna ‘inn’.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ævə(r)n

Noun

1. a building containing a bar licensed to sell alcoholic drinks; an inn
2. parlour

Translations

• Czech: hostinec , krčma
• Serbian: krčma, ugostionica, gostionica

A tavern is, loosely, a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and, more than likely, also be served food, though not licenced to put up guests. The word derives from the Latin taberna and the Greek ταβέρνα/taverna, whose original meaning was a shed or workshop. The distinction of a tavern from an inn, bar or pub varies by location, in some places being identical and in others being distinguished by traditions or by legal license.

By the 19th century the word tavern had developed an archaic flavour in Britain, the current term being public house (pub), though they remain a popular convention in fantasy tales and games. However, the term is still sometimes used in North America.

See also

• Public house
• Bar
• Tavern clock
• Izakaya

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