hoosegow

or hoos·gow

[ hoos-gou ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a jail.

hoosegow

/ ˈhuːsɡaʊ /

noun

1. See jail
   a slang word for jail

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoosegow¹

1860–65, Americanism; < Mexican Spanish jusgado jail ( Spanish: court of justice, originally past participle of juzgar to judge) < Latin jūdicātum, equivalent to jūdic- (stem of jūdex ) judge + -ātum -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoosegow¹

C20: from Mexican Spanish jusgado prison, from Spanish: court of justice, from juzgar to judge, from Latin judicāre, from judex a judge ; compare jug

Example Sentences

It would infuriate the Judge to sentence those buzzards to the hoosegow for life.

From Project Gutenberg

"The boss is in the hoosegow," answered Pete, his voice tragic.

From Project Gutenberg

The next thing I heard, two men we've been keeping an eye on were in the hoosegow, one with a slug in his shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

It's a long walk down to the hoosegow and I don't want to take you there.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• penitentiary