jail delivery

noun

a liberation of persons from prison, especially by force.
the act of clearing a jail of prisoners by bringing them to trial, as at the assizes in England.

jail delivery

noun

forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail
English law (formerly) a commission issued to assize judges when they come to a circuit town authorizing them to try all prisoners and release those acquitted

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Word History and Origins

Origin of jail delivery¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Of course there were formalities,—the Sister Lydia described innumerable ones,—jail delivery was nothing to it, but surely five-and-thirty minutes would suffice to sign a score of documents.

From

There was a general jail delivery of the poor debtors, for very joy.

From

Oshkosh and a number of Menominee headmen went at once to Milwaukee, upon learning of the jail delivery, and laid their complaints before the judge.

From

It was opposed vigorously by Wilson, of Massachusetts, who called it a general jail delivery for the benefit of traitors.

From

Shortly afterwards a jail delivery enabled him to leave prison.

From

jailbreak jailer

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