Black Maria

[ muh-rahy-uh ]

noun

1. patrol wagon.

Black Maria

/ məˈraɪə /

noun

1. a police van for transporting prisoners

Word History and Origins

Origin of Black Maria¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

To Lee it felt uncanny to sit trapped and blindfolded in this "Black Maria" of a car while unseen rays and cameras went over him.

From Project Gutenberg

He accordingly went up to the driver of the Black Maria, who, cap in hand, was wiping his perspiring forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Ed took the Black Maria to the house, and we took the street cars for it to the end of the line, and then walked.

From Project Gutenberg

Miles had been making time with the Black Maria for about a week, when the big accident happened in our town.

From Project Gutenberg

At the prison the scene is repeated in reverse, and the Black Maria presently rumbles away empty.

From Project Gutenberg