jail delivery

American  

noun

1. a liberation of persons from prison, especially by force.

2. the act of clearing a jail of prisoners by bringing them to trial, as at the assizes in England.

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jail delivery British  

noun

1. forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail

2. English law (formerly) a commission issued to assize judges when they come to a circuit town authorizing them to try all prisoners and release those acquitted

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Etymology

Origin of jail delivery

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

The superior court, and the court of general sessions of the peace and jail delivery, consist of the chief-justice and two associates.

From The Government Class Book Designed for the Instruction of Youth in the Principles of Constitutional Government and the Rights and Duties of Citizens. by Young, Andrew W.

As they passed the hut the guards lay in blissful sleep, and seeing this the boys rushed in and excitedly told John of the jail delivery and the advisability of giving the alarm.

From The Wonder Island Boys: Treasures of the Island by Finlay, Roger Thompson

"There has been a jail delivery at the prison," he said in answer to the "hello" of the desk-sergeant at the other end of the wire.

From Elusive Isabel by Kimball, Alonzo

In March, 1913, Congress enacted an Amnesty bill which would have meant a general jail delivery throughout the Island, and which President Gomez was strongly inclined to sign.

From The History of Cuba, vol. 4 by Johnson, Willis Fletcher

"Why, it's the jail delivery off to Botany Bay," was the answer.

From Highway Pirates or, The Secret Place at Coverthorne by Avery, Harold