POUND

n. & v. --n. 1 an enclosure where stray animals or officially removed vehicles are kept until redeemed. 2 a place of confinement. --v.tr. enclose (cattle etc.) in a pound. øpound lock a lock with two gates to confine water and often a side reservoir to maintain the water level. [ME f. OE pund- in pundfald: see PINFOLD]