booby hatch

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. a small hatch giving access to a ladder from the weather deck of a vessel to the interior of the hull.

   2. a small companion secured over a deck opening.

   3. a hoodlike hatch cover having a sliding top.

2. Slang.

   1. an insane asylum.

   2. jail.

booby hatch

noun

1. a hoodlike covering for a hatchway on a ship

2. offensive,  a mental hospital

Word History and Origins

Origin of booby hatch¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Related Words

• mental health institution www.thesaurus.com
• psychiatric hospital www.thesaurus.com
• psychiatric ward www.thesaurus.com