Calaboose

A calaboose is a slang term, primarily used in the United States, for a jail or prison, particularly a small, local lockup. It often implies a temporary holding facility, especially in rural areas or smaller towns, and can suggest a lack of modern amenities or strictness compared to larger correctional institutions. The word's usage evokes a sense of confinement and often carries a connotation of hardship or short-term detention. It's a term rooted in American vernacular and folklore, adding a layer of color and local character to descriptions of imprisonment. The calaboose is a place where individuals are held, usually by law enforcement, pending trial, transfer to a larger facility, or for short-term punishment. It can also sometimes be used to refer to the act of being imprisoned, as in 'spending a night in the calaboose'.

Calaboose meaning with examples

• After a heated argument at the local bar, the rowdy patrons found themselves spending the night in the town's calaboose, sobering up before facing the judge. The tiny, often dilapidated, building, served as a stark reminder of the consequences of their actions and they hoped a night of reflection behind bars would teach them a valuable lesson about controlling their behavior and respect.
• The sheriff, known for his no-nonsense approach, frequently used the calaboose for quick detentions, as a way to settle disputes and maintain order in the small community. Its close proximity to the town square, allowed the sheriff to swiftly arrest anyone, disrupting the peace in a timely manner, making him a source of both fear and respect from citizens. The calaboose served as a tool to enforce his strict interpretations of the law.
• When the traveling salesmen caused a disturbance after a night of card playing, the local authorities swiftly locked them up in the calaboose. The cramped conditions and rough surroundings, was enough for them to regret their drunken behavior. They learned the hard way the importance of respecting the local rules and customs, and were promptly released, once they sobered up and made amends for any damage.
• During the annual county fair, the calaboose was often busy, holding those who had too much to drink or caused trouble. Its basic accommodations, with just a bench and a barred window, made it clear, that the punishment was meant to deter, not rehabilitate. The jail cell, usually kept empty the rest of the year, was a quick and simple solution for enforcing basic standards of civility on the county fair.
• In the old Westerns, the hero frequently found himself in the calaboose, often falsely accused and awaiting trial. It became a symbol of injustice and resilience, and a starting point for his escape and retribution against the true criminals. The classic scenario of a heroic figure battling corruption or setting the stage for a showdown, often portrayed in the cramped quarters of the calaboose.