jail delivery
Americannoun
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a liberation of persons from prison, especially by force.
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the act of clearing a jail of prisoners by bringing them to trial, as at the assizes in England.
noun
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forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail
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English law (formerly) a commission issued to assize judges when they come to a circuit town authorizing them to try all prisoners and release those acquitted
Etymology
Origin of jail delivery
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was a general jail delivery of the poor debtors, for very joy.
From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old
Judges were first appointed to go on circuit in the year 1285, when they were sent into every shire two or three times a year to hold a general jail delivery.
From Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward II by Yonge, Charlotte Mary
As the day set for Rebstock’s trial drew near, rumors were heard of a jail delivery.
From The Mountain Divide by Both, Armand
As we chose not to have them fall into the hands of the rebels, a general jail delivery was ordered this morning, which set him at large.”
From Janice Meredith by Ford, Paul Leicester
The superior court, and the court of general sessions of the peace and jail delivery, consist of the chief-justice and two associates.
From The Government Class Book Designed for the Instruction of Youth in the Principles of Constitutional Government and the Rights and Duties of Citizens. by Young, Andrew W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
