What Is an Ordinary?

An ordinary was a dining establishment where meals were provided at a fixed price. Thomas powell referred snotly to the unwholesome air of an eightpenny ordinary in 16 31. The term often became synonymous with a gambling house. And it was a great place not only to pick up gossip, but also prostitutes. Both mary and elizabeth legislated against people who went there for business other than gods. But frankly, my dear, neither should have bothered.