[f. SPEAK v. + HOUSE sb. Cf. the earlier speech-house.]
† 1. A room, in a convent or monastery, where conversation was permitted or visitors received; the parlor. Obs.
c. 1650. in J. Morris, Troubles Cath. Forefathers (1872), 275. Those Cloisters of this Order and the Rich Clares did sometimes invite them to dinner, and made them great cheer with plenty of wine in their speakhouse.
1762. B. F. E., trans. Marin’s Perf. Relig., 5. What can be thought of a Religious who runs with eagerness … to the Speak-house, whenever called.
2. In the South Sea Islands, a large hut used as a place of council.
1893. Stevenson, Island Nights’ Entert., 4. Getting tabooed, and going down to the Speak House to see and get it taken off.
1901. G. Balfour, Life Stevenson, II. iv. 80. A large ‘speak-house’ at Tuagana, some two hours’ sail down the coast.
