Molly house
Reference
Definition
A molly house was an 18th- or 19th-century English tavern or other establishment where homosexual men could meet for social and sexual encounters, including cross-dressing.
Quick Facts
| Term | Molly house |
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What did “molly house” mean?
“Molly house” referred to a tavern or similar establishment in 18th- and 19th-century England where homosexual men could meet. Activities associated with these places included cross-dressing and sexual encounters.
Historical use of the term
Accounts of molly houses describe social interaction as well as sexual activity. One recorded visitor observed men addressing one another as “my dear” and hugging, kissing, and tickling each other while adopting effeminate voices and mannerisms.