prisonn.[F., fr. L. prehensio, prensio, a seizing, arresting, fr. prehendre, prendere, to lay hold of, to seize. See Prehensile, and cf. Prize, n., Misprision.]1. A place where persons are confined, or restrained of personal liberty; hence, a place or state o confinement, restraint, or safe custody.()Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name. (Ps. cxlii. 7.)The tyrant olus, . . .
With power imperial, curbs the struggling winds,
And sounding tempests in dark prisons binds. (Dryden.)2. Specifically, a building for the safe custody or confinement of criminals and others committed by lawful authority.()Prison bars, or Prison base. See Base, n., 24. -- Prison breach. (Law) See Note under 3d Escape, n., 4. -- Prison house, a prison. Shak. -- Prison ship (Naut.), a ship fitted up for the confinement of prisoners. -- Prison van, a carriage in which prisoners are conveyed to and from prison.()v. t.1. To imprison; to shut up in, or as in, a prison; to confine; to restrain from liberty.()The prisoned eagle dies for rage. (Sir W. Scott.)His true respect will prison false desire. (Shak.)2. To bind (together); to enchain.()Sir William Crispyn with the duke was led
Together prisoned. (Robert of Brunne.)