workhouse

workhouses

Definitions of workhouse
  1. noun
    a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor
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    type of:
    poorhouse
    an establishment maintained at public expense in order to provide housing for the poor and homeless
  2. noun
    a county jail that holds prisoners for periods up to 18 months
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    type of:
    clink, gaol, jail, jailhouse, pokey, poky, slammer
    a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
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