jail delivery

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.

jail delivery

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jail delivery¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

For the most of us there is no jail delivery of those inner depths, and the life above goes on to its honourable end.

From Project Gutenberg

If he believed in those resolutions he should at once have made a general jail delivery.

From Project Gutenberg

“Such a jail-delivery has never been known in New England,” is the testimony handed down.

From Project Gutenberg

Then his own words to the aviator on that night several days ago, came back to him: “Looks like a jail delivery.”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg