bum factory en · NOUN
Etymology
From bum (“tramp, vagrant”) + factory, the idea being that the existence of such establishments supposedly encourages people to become vagrants.
Meanings
- (US, dated, informal) An establishment that sells alcoholic drinks, such as a saloon or liquor store.
- (US, dated, informal) A cheap place for lodging, such as a hostel or a charitable mission house; flophouse.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| bum factories | Number=Plur | lexicographic |