subs. (American and nautical).—The common gaol. [This word comes into popular use from the Spanish calabozo through the French calabouse.] So also TO CALABOOSE = to imprison.
1840. R. H. DANA, Jr., Two Years Before the Mast, ch. xxi. A few weeks afterwards I saw the poor wretch sitting on the bare ground, in front of the CALABOZO, with his feet chained to a stake, and handcuffs about his wrists.
1888. Santa Ana Blade. Charley Read struck an old tramp in the CALABOOSE the other day, who looked disgusted at his headquarters and remarked, ‘Well I’ve been in every jail from Portland to Santa Ana, but this is the d—nest snide of a CALABOOSE I ever struck yet.
