booby hatch

American  

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.

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booby hatch British  

noun

1. a hoodlike covering for a hatchway on a ship

2. offensive a mental hospital

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Etymology

Origin of booby hatch

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

And how much luggage was she able to bring with her to the booby hatch, as the matron calls it?

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2014

Because the news that overshadowed Uruguay's win—which advanced La Celeste at the expense of Gli Azzurri—is that Suárez got loose from the booby hatch again.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2014

"You," she concludes, "are a booby, and I am going to have you put in the booby hatch."

From Time Magazine Archive

Back in the days of the horse & buggy, a man who waved his arms while negotiating turns in the State of Maine wouldn't necessarily have been yanked off to the booby hatch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Stirling brushed aside the seamen who had gathered about the booby hatch.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

Related Words

• mental health institution
• psychiatric hospital
• psychiatric ward