barracoon

American  

[bar-uh-koon] / ˌbær əˈkun /

noun

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

---

barracoon British  

/ ˌbærəˈkuːn /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of barracoon

1850–55, < Spanish barracón, equivalent to barrac ( a ) hut ( 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

Having nothing to do, Nat went into the barracoon and the other houses in which the slaves were placed.

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

At all other times of the year the factory would be deserted, its huts uninhabited by man, and its barracoon empty.

From Ran Away to Sea by Reid, Mayne

These men had the appearance of being either Portuguese or Spaniards, and their presence in such a spot could mean but one thing, namely, that there was a barracoon somewhere near at hand.

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