courthouse
UK: /ˈkɔːthaʊs/ | US: /ˈkɔːrthaʊs/
n. a building in which courts of law are held
n. a building housing the administrative offices of a county government
The word "courthouse" is a straightforward compound of "court" (from Old French cort, meaning "enclosed space" or "sovereign's assembly," derived from Latin cohors "yard, retinue") and "house" (from Old English hūs, meaning "dwelling, shelter"). The term emerged in Middle English to denote a building where legal proceedings occur, reflecting the functional combination of "court" (justice) and "house" (structure). Its logic is transparent: a physical space dedicated to judicial or administrative functions.
The trial will take place at the county courthouse next week.
Protesters gathered outside the courthouse demanding justice.
The historic courthouse was renovated to preserve its architecture.
She works as a clerk in the downtown courthouse.
The courthouse square hosts community events during the summer.