ETYM Old Eng. jaile, gail, gayhol, Old Fren. gaole, gaiole, jaiole, French geôle, Late Lat. gabiola, dim. of gabia cage, for Latin cavea cavity, cage. Related to Cage.
A place used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence); SYN. jailhouse, gaol, prison, clink.

ETYM See Jail (n.).
To imprison.