TO LEAVE THE ROOM, verb. phr. (conventional school).—To go to the W.C.
Verb. (colloquial).—To inhabit. Hence ROOMER = a lodger: spec. one occupying a single apartment.
1864. Daily Telegraph, 26 July. It’s risky, I know, but I’ll try him. I never did ROOM with a Rooshian before, and I’d like to know them stript.
1869. H. B. STOWE, Oldtown Folks, xxxii. I am … living at the minister’s! and then I ROOM with Esther!
18[?]. The Standard (Century). The mother … occupies herself more with the needs of the ROOMERS, or tenants, and makes more money.
See APARTMENTS.
