n.
Pronunciation: ' j ā l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English jaiole, from Anglo-French gaiole, jaiole, from Late Latin caveola, diminutive of Latin cavea cage ― more at CAGE
Date: 13th century
1 : a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody specifically : such a place under the jurisdiction of a local government (as a county) for the confinement of persons awaiting trial or those convicted of minor crimes ― compare PRISON
2 : confinement in a jail <sentenced to jail >