~ 1
■ noun
1》 houses and flats considered collectively.
↘the provision of accommodation.
2》 a rigid casing that houses a piece of moving or delicate equipment.
3》 a recess or groove cut in a piece of wood to allow another piece to be attached to it.
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~ 2
■ noun archaic a cloth covering put on a horse for protection or ornament.
Origin
ME: from OFr. houce , from med. L. hultia , of Gmc origin.