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
• psychiatric hospital
• psychiatric ward