Prison \Pris"on\ (?; 277), n. [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.
      
[1913 Webster]


            Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy
            name.                                 --Ps. cxlii.
                                                  7.
      
[1913 Webster]


            The tyrant Aeolus, . . .
            With power imperial, curbs the struggling winds,
            And sounding tempests in dark prisons binds.
                                                  --Dryden.
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. Specifically, a building for the safe custody or
      confinement of criminals and others committed by lawful
      authority.
      
[1913 Webster]


   {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.
      
[1913 Webster]

Prison \Pris"on\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prisoned}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Prisoning}.]
   1. To imprison; to shut up in, or as in, a prison; to
      confine; to restrain from liberty.
      
[1913 Webster]


            The prisoned eagle dies for rage.     --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
      
[1913 Webster]


            His true respect will prison false desire. --Shak.
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. To bind (together); to enchain. [Obs.]
      
[1913 Webster]


            Sir William Crispyn with the duke was led
            Together prisoned.                    --Robert of
                                                  Brunne.
      
[1913 Webster]