workhouse

• Sustantivo que designa una institución histórica donde los pobres, a menudo capaces de trabajar, recibían alojamiento y comida a cambio de trabajo, o un tipo de prisión para condenados a cortas penas.

A noun referring to a historical institution where impoverished people, often those able to work, were provided with shelter and food in exchange for labor, or a type of jail for short-term prisoners.

1. Poorhouse for laborC1formalbritish

   A historical institution where poor people, especially those able to work, were housed and required to perform labor in exchange for basic necessities.

   Casa de trabajo o asilo de pobres con trabajo obligatorio

   • In the 19th century, many destitute families were sent to the workhouse.
   • The conditions in the workhouse were harsh and degrading.
   • He was forced to enter the workhouse after losing his job.

   Sinónimospoorhouse

2. County jailC1formalamerican

   A type of prison, typically run by a county, where inmates serve short sentences, often up to 18 months.

   cárcel del condado

   • He was sentenced to six months in the workhouse for petty theft.
   • The workhouse held prisoners for minor offenses.
   • She was released from the workhouse after serving her time.

   Sinónimoshouse of correctionjaillockup