1. A correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
   "The old jailhouse was converted into a museum";
   - jail, gaol [Brit], clink [informal], slammer [informal], poky [informal], pokey [informal], prison, calaboose [US, Austral, informal]

Derived forms: jailhouses

Type of: correctional institution

Encyclopedia: Jailhouse