A reformatory.
1735. Whether there are no such things in Holland as bettering-houses for bringing young gentlemen to order?—Bp. Berkeley, ‘Querist,’ iii. 360 (1871). (N.E.D.)
1795. The Bettering House, which is under the care of the overseers of the poor, stands in the same neighbourhood [in Philadelphia], somewhat farther removed from the houses of the city.—Isaac Weld, ‘Travels through North America,’ p. 7 (Lond., 1799).
1796. Reflections on visiting the Bettering-Houses at Philadelphia.—The Aurora (Phila.), July 28.
