Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Poorhouse /po͞or'-housˌ/ · Poor·house · IPA /pˈuːrhˌaʊs/ 01 n. A dwelling for a number of paupers maintained at public expense; an almshouse; a workhouse. 1. A dwelling for a number of paupers maintained at public expense; an almshouse; a workhouse.