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House-top

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To cry from the house-top. To proclaim [it] from the house-top. To announce something in the most public manner possible. Jewish houses had flat roofs, which were paved. Here the ancient Jews used to assemble for gossip; here, too, not unfrequently, they slept; and here some of their festivals were held. From the house-tops the rising of the sun was proclaimed, and other public announcements were made.

That which ye have spoken [whispered] in the ear … shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”—Luke xii. 3.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Houqua
Hour
Houri (pl. Houris)
House
¶ House
¶ House
House-bote
House-flag (A)
House-leek [Jove’s beard]
House Spirits
House-top
House and Home
House of Correction
House of God (The)
House that Jack Built (The)
Household Gods
Household Troops
Housel
Houssain (Prince)
Houyhnhnms (whinhims)
How Do You Do?