ˈru̇kərē, -ri noun
( -s )
Etymology: rook (I) + -ery
1.
a. : the group of nests or the breeding place of a colony of rooks ; also : a colony of rooks
b. : a breeding ground or common haunt of other gregarious birds or animals (as herons, penguins, or seals) ; also : a colony of such birds or animals : roost 1d
2.
a. : a dilapidated tenement or run-down group of dwellings
typhoid ran rampant in the rookeries which masqueraded as homes — Sat. Eve. Post
b. : a building with many rooms or occupants often of a diverse sort
in this rookery of half-fed students, astrologers, prostitutes, actors, models, prizefighters, quacks, and dancers — Van Wyck Brooks
3. : a center or congregation of persons or things of a homogeneous nature
is simply a rookery of civil servants — Times Literary Supplement
between Iceland and Greenland are two such storm rookeries — P.M.Swatek
4. chiefly dialect : rumpus : disturbance