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barracoon

American  
[bar-uh-koon] / ˌbær əˈkun /

noun

  1. (formerly) a place of temporary confinement for slaves or convicts.


barracoon British  
/ ˌbærəˈkuːn /

noun

  1. (formerly) a temporary place of confinement for slaves or convicts, esp those awaiting transportation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of barracoon

1850–55, < Spanish barracón, equivalent to barrac ( a ) hut ( see barrack 1) + -on augmentative suffix

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These newcomers patrol the coast like abolitionist avengers, superpowering their way through every coffle and barracoon they encounter.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2019

“De barracoon we in ain’ the only slave pen at the place,” he remembers.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2018

The retreating villains had got close to the barracoon, and not far from the last entrance to the fort.

From The Three Midshipmen by Prout, Victor

We huddle up night and day in a big shed dey call a barracoon.

From By Sheer Pluck, a Tale of the Ashanti War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

As was too likely the pirates had set fire to the barracoon on purpose to delay the English; this plan succeeded perfectly.

From The Three Midshipmen by Prout, Victor