borstal

Definition

A way up a hill in the South Downs.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English *borstile, *borghstile, from Old English beorh (“a hill”) + stigel (“a stile”). The institutions are named after Borstal Prison in Borstal, Rochester, Kent, England.

Example Sentences

• "You have juvenile courts. Do you have borstal institutions for juveniles?"
• "Seven years ago, I was sent to borstal. Slithering around in the societal sludge, I was forced to admit I'd made a huge mistake – committing robbery."