jail delivery

noun

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

jail delivery

noun

1. forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail
2. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jail delivery¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly afterwards a jail delivery enabled him to leave prison.

From Project Gutenberg