A place of entertainment; a house kept up for the accommodation of strangers. Originally, a house for the retailing of liquors to be drunk on the spot. Webster. The word “tavern,” in a charter provision authorizing municipal authorities to “license and regulate taverns,” includes hotels. “Tavern,” “hotel,” and “public house” are, in this country, used synonymously; and while they entertain the traveling public, and keep guests, and receive compensation therefor, they do not lose their character, though they may not have the privilege of selling liquors.