What is "pied-a-terre"

n. (alternative spelling of pied-à-terre English)

n. 1 A smaller temporary or secondary lodging; a second home. 2 A house in the/a city.

1. n. lodging for occasional or secondary use; "they bought a pied-a-terre in London"

2. [also: pieds-a-terre (pl)]

A pied-à-terre (; French for "foot on the ground") is a small living unit usually located in a large city some distance away from an individual's primary residence. It may be an apartment, flat, or condominium.

The term pied-à-terre implies usage as a temporary second residence (but not a vacation home), either for part of the year or part of the work week, by a reasonably wealthy person.