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A.Word.A.Day--bridewell

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bridewell (BRYD-wel) noun

A prison.

[After a prison that formerly stood near the church of St. Bride in London during 1545-55.]

"Men arrested for crimes such as trespass, public intoxication, lewdness, and domestic violence could be confined to the demiprison of the bridewell ...." Clifford F. Thies, Bring back the bridewell, The World & I, 1 Sep 1995.

This week's theme: toponyms.

X-Bonus

Well-timed silence is the most commanding expression. -Mark Helprin

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