barracoon

American  

[bar-uh-koon] / ˌbær əˈkun /

noun

1. (formerly) a place of temporary confinement for slaves or convicts.

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barracoon British  

/ ˌbærəˈkuːn /

noun

1. (formerly) a temporary place of confinement for slaves or convicts, esp those awaiting transportation

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Etymology

Origin of barracoon

1850–55, < Spanish barracón, equivalent to barrac ( a ) hut ( see barrack ¹) + -on augmentative suffix

Example Sentences

These newcomers patrol the coast like abolitionist avengers, superpowering their way through every coffle and barracoon they encounter.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2019

“De barracoon we in ain’ the only slave pen at the place,” he remembers.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2018

“Straight across, and into the barracoon itself,” I panted, making a great show of hurry and excitement; and the Frenchmen streamed through the gate like a flock of sheep.

From A Middy of the Slave Squadron A West African Story by Mays, D.L.

I designed, also, if advisable, to erect another receiving barracoon under the lee of Cape Mount.

From Captain Canot or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver by Mayer, Brantz

There were about a hundred slaves in each barracoon.

From A Roving Commission Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)