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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.


Etymology

Origin of prison pallor

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

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 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

And, curiously enough, he noticed for the first time that the prison pallor was strong on Crimmins' face, and that the hair above his outstanding ears was clipped to the roots.

From Garrison's Finish : a romance of the race course by Ferguson, W. B. M. (William Blair Morton)

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

It did not take Isaac long to find out that this complexion did not indicate consumption, but was only prison pallor.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 2, January, 1896 by Various

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