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jail

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jail

, gaol
a place for the confinement of persons convicted and sentenced to imprisonment or of persons awaiting trial to whom bail is not granted
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

What does it mean when you dream about jail?

Dreaming about being in jail usually reflects a sense of restriction one feels in one’s outer life, the limiting of one’s creativity. It could also indicate a sense of guilt or self-criticism. Alternatively, the dreamer may need to “put a lock on” certain actions and behavior. Dreaming about being the jailor is similar, though it shifts the focus to our own agency—we are the ones restricting ourselves.

The Dream Encyclopedia, Second Edition © 2009 Visible Ink Press®. All rights reserved.

jail

1. A prison.
2. A building or place for the legal detention of persons.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Jail

(dreams)
Dreaming about jail may make you think that you have done something immoral or illegal, or committed an act that merits punishment. You may also have a fear of being trapped emotionally or physically. If you are the jailer, you may have an unconscious desire to exert control over others or in a particular situation. Either way, this dream suggests that you have obstacles in your life that may not be easy to overcome.
Bedside Dream Dictionary by Silvana Amar Copyright © 2007 by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
Mentioned in
References in classic literature
"Ah," said the jailer, "do not always brood over what is impossible, or you will be mad in a fortnight."
"Threats!" cried the jailer, retreating and putting himself on the defensive; "you are certainly going mad.
"All right, all right," said the jailer; "all right, since you will have it so.
The jailer went out, and returned in an instant with a corporal and four soldiers.
At this moment Baisemeaux heard the jailer approaching.
Then placing the book upon the table, he opened it at the letter "M," and showed Aramis the following note in the column of observations: "No books at any time; all linen and clothes of the finest and best quality to be procured; no exercise; always the same jailer; no communications with any one.
'He ought to have been, a many times,' replied the jailer. 'He has been pretty well everywhere else.
'Do you hear his worship ask if you've anything to say?' inquired the jailer, nudging the silent Dodger with his elbow.
Pump,” said the jailer, “I shall put a stopper, as you call it, on your legs, and tie you down to your bed.”
“I must shut up for the night at nine,” said the jailer, “and it’s now forty-two minutes past eight.” He placed the little candle on a rough pine table, and withdrew.
Natty was about to reply, when the approaching footsteps of the jailer announced the necessity of his immediate return.
“Isn’t Miss Temple ready to go?” said the civil jailer; “ it’s the usual hour for locking up.”
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