(pokier, pokiest)
Note: The spelling 'pokey' is also used, especially for meanings 1 and 3.
1.
A room or house that is ~ is uncomfortably small. (INFORMAL)
...pokey little offices.
= cramped
ADJ disapproval
2.
If you say that someone is ~, you are criticizing them for moving or reacting very slowly. (AM INFORMAL)
‘Move!’ she cried. ‘Don’t be so darn ~!’
ADJ disapproval
3.
If someone is in the pokey, they are in prison. (mainly AM INFORMAL)
N-SING: usu the N