Definition of Jail

Noun: jail jeyl

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

Verb: jail jeyl

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