pokey

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
adjective wasting time
adjective small and remote and insignificant

Trouble was, I'm kind of pokey. — Free Air, Sinclair Lewis
That part of this hokey pokey is purty sure! — The Entailed Hat; Or, Patty Cannon's Times, George Alfred Townsend
"Looks kind of pokey, doesn't it?" said Allery Jones. — Peak and Prairie: From a Colorado Sketch-book, Anna Fuller

jail, jailhouse, gaol, clink, slammer, poky

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