I. noun
or bor·stall ˈbərst ə l, ˈbȯr-
( -s )
Etymology: from (assumed) Middle English borstall, from Old English borgsteall, borhsteall, from (assumed) Old English borg, borh protection, refuge (from Old English borg, borh pledge, surety) + Old English steall place; probably from the use of steep hills as places of refuge in war — more at borrow , stall
dialect England : a pathway up a steep hill
II. ˈbȯrst ə l, ˈbȯ(ə)s- noun
or borstal institution
( -s )
Usage: often capitalized B
Etymology: from Borstal, village in Kent, England
: one of a group of British reform schools for delinquents between the ages of 16 and 23 that follows a system stressing occupational training, special attention to the individual, and highly organized supervision after dismissal