jailhouse - 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)bastille - a jail (literally, a French jail) holding cell - a jail in a courthouse where accused persons can be confined during a trial house of correction - (formerly) a jail or other place of detention for persons convicted of minor offences lockup - jail in a local police station pokey - a slang term for jail workhouse - a county jail that holds prisoners for periods up to 18 months |