Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Bridewell

Bride′well

,
Noun.
A house of correction for the confinement of disorderly persons; – so called from a hospital built in 1553 near
St. Bride’s (or Bridget's) well
, in London, which was subsequently a penal workhouse.

Webster 1828 Edition


Bridewell

BRI'DEWELL

,
Noun.
A house of correction, for the confinement of disorderly persons; so called from the palace built near St. Bride's or Bridget's well, in London, which was turned into a workhouse.