gaol
UK: dʒeɪl | US: dʒeɪl
n. a variant spelling of "jail," meaning a place of confinement for prisoners
The word "gaol" originates from the Old French gaiole or jaiole, meaning "cage" or "prison," which itself derives from the Latin caveola, a diminutive of cavea (hollow, enclosure). The spelling "gaol" was standard in British English until the 19th century, when "jail" (from the same root but influenced by Norman French jaiole) became dominant. Both forms coexist, though "jail" is now more common globally. The word reflects the historical evolution of penal systems and linguistic shifts between Latin, French, and English.
The thief was sentenced to three years in gaol.
In older British texts, "gaol" appears frequently instead of "jail."
The gaol's conditions were harsh and overcrowded.
Modern legal documents rarely use the term "gaol" today.
Visitors were prohibited from entering the gaol without permission.