prison pallor

American  

[priz-uhn pal-er] / ˈprɪz ən ˌpæl ər /

noun

1. extreme paleness, as if one has experienced a lengthy deprivation of natural light due to imprisonment or other indoor confinement.

   These kids need to get off the couch, get outside, and get rid of their prison pallor.

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Etymology

Origin of prison pallor

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

His mustache has a villainous smeariness, his skin a trace of prison pallor, his voice a con-mannerly suavity, his big soft eyes the expression of a slightly sneaky sheep.

From Time Magazine Archive

The solidest and most serious entries in Crime and Criminals�juvenile delinquency, penology, prostitution, war crimes�exhibit a drab sociologist look and a stylistic prison pallor.

From Time Magazine Archive

His friends had first noticed it in Paris, in '39, but had expected it to wear off as soon as the prison pallor disappeared.

From The Five Arrows by Chase, Allan

The man swung sharply around, the prison pallor of his face a pitiful, deathlike colour in the flashlight's rays.

From The Further Adventures of Jimmie Dale by Packard, Frank L. (Frank Lucius)

Every time he did so he rubbed his cheeks violently, then viewed with satisfaction the hard glow which replaced the yellow prison pallor.

From The Copy-Cat and Other Stories by Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins