jail delivery

American  

noun

1. a liberation of persons from prison, especially by force.

2. the act of clearing a jail of prisoners by bringing them to trial, as at the assizes in England.

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jail delivery British  

noun

1. forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail

2. 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

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Etymology

Origin of jail delivery

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jail delivery

Ruffier, warden of the House of Detention, dreamed there was a jail delivery on, a general effort to escape from the prison was frustrated.

From The Secret of Dreams by Yacki Raizizun

As the day set for Rebstock’s trial drew near, rumors were heard of a jail delivery.

From The Mountain Divide by Armand Both

Well, who knows, perhaps there may be a general jail delivery there yet; but talking of the thing, I assure you, sir, I feel a portion of its tortures.

From The Black Baronet; or, The Chronicles Of Ballytrain The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by William Carleton

Indeed, he most successfully protested against the conduct of Henry VI., who held a jail delivery in the bishop's hall.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Exeter A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Percy Addleshaw

It was opposed vigorously by Wilson, of Massachusetts, who called it a general jail delivery for the benefit of traitors.

From The Life of Lyman Trumbull by Horace White

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