[a. It. casino small house, dim. of casa house:—L. casa cottage.]

1

  ǁ 1.  A pleasure-house, a summer-house (in Italy).

2

1831.  B’ness Bunsen, in Hare, Life, I. ix. 375. An old acquaintance of many years’ standing, who possesses a casino in a delightful situation out of the town.

3

1832.  G. Downes, Lett. Cont. Countries, I. 372. It is separated from the sea only by a casino of the king’s.

4

  2.  A public room used for social meetings; a club-house; esp. a public music or dancing saloon.

5

1789.  Mrs. Piozzi, Journ. France, I. 160. The nightly rendezvous, the coffee-house, and casino.

6

1838.  Murray’s Handbk. N. Germany, 205. In all the principal German towns, Societies corresponding nearly with a London club, and known by such names as the Casino, Museum, Harmonie, or the like, are to be found.

7

1848.  Thackeray, Van. Fair, xlix. (L.). That kind of company … which nightly fills casinos and dancing-rooms.

8

1870.  Swinburne, Ess. & Stud. (1875), 94. This poor hireling of the streets and casinos.

9

  3.  A game of cards: see CASSINO.

10