Definition of Gaol

Noun: gaol jeyl
Usage: Brit (N. Amer: jail)

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)
- jail, jailhouse, clink, slammer, poky, pokey, prison, calaboose [Austral]

Verb: gaol jeyl
Usage: Brit (N. Amer: jail)

(law) lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
"The suspects were gaoled without trial";
- imprison, incarcerate, lag, immure, put behind bars, jail, jug [N. Amer], put away, remand, prison [archaic]