n. 1 a person kept in prison. 2 (in full prisoner at the bar) a person in custody on a criminal charge and on trial. 3 a person or thing confined by illness, another's grasp, etc. 4 (in full prisoner of war) a person who has been captured in war. prisoner of conscience see CONSCIENCE. prisoner of State (or State prisoner) a person confined for political reasons. prisoner's base a game played by two parties of boys etc., each occupying a distinct base or home. take prisoner seize and hold as a prisoner.
[ ME f. AF prisoner, OF prisonier (as PRISON) ]