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

Example Sentences

Due to the foregoing circumstances, Lanier's jail delivery was eminently successful.

From Overshadowed A Novel by Griggs, Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert)

"There's the True Blue put on extra to-day for the jail delivery," he remarked.

From Highway Pirates or, The Secret Place at Coverthorne by Avery, Harold

In fact, to tell the whole truth, there was a jail delivery week ago, which has been kept secret up to now.

From The Airplane Boys among the Clouds or, Young Aviators in a Wreck by Langworthy, John Luther

Europe had never before known such a "jail delivery."

From General History for Colleges and High Schools by Myers, Philip Van Ness

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.