Synonyms:
penitentiary, pen
Meaning: a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
Usage examples
He was a noted criminal who had escaped from a Northern penitentiary some two months before, and had been arrested by the Louisville police.
"The man's name is Tom Jackson; he is a noted gambler and forger, has been convicted of manslaughter and other crimes, sent to the penitentiary and pardoned out.
She sniffs at the "cousin" and tell's you that she must have a letter from Charley's father, one from Charley's minister, one from the governor of your state, and one from some disinterested party certifying that Charley has never been in the penitentiary, has never committed arson, and is a legitimate child.