gen. An enclosed space, esp. one that is locked or shut up; a place of confinement. Cf. loke, n. Obsolete.

With article or other designation. A building or other facility to which people are legally committed as punishment for a crime or while awaiting…

transferred and figurative. Place of confinement.

In extended use: a place of confinement; a pen. Also (figurative): a trap. Now rare.

A place of confinement; a cage, a prison. Also figurative. Obsolete.

In extended use: a place of confinement; a place from which escape is difficult; spec. a prison, esp. (in earlier use) one for debtors. Now U.S. slang…

transferred and figurative (from 2). A narrow place of confinement; a cage or prison.

A place of confinement, confining or enclosing place; enclosure. Obsolete.

transferred. A prison, esp. a military one.

colloquial (frequently humorous). A building, institution, etc., characterized by anarchy, folly, or ceaseless activity. Also: an institution in…