E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jail-bird (A).
One who has been in jail as a prisoner.
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“At this late period of Christianity we are brought up to abhor jail-birds as we do toads.”—Beecher: The Plymouth Pulpit, August 30th, 1874, vol. ii. 557.
