Definition of Pokey

1. 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).

Exact synonyms: Clink, Gaol, Jail, Jailhouse, Poky, Slammer
Specialized synonyms: Bastille, Holding Cell, Hoosegow, Hoosgow, House Of Correction, Lockup, Workhouse
Generic synonyms: Correctional Institution
Derivative terms: Gaol, Jail

2. Adjective. Wasting time.
Exact synonyms: Dilatory, Laggard, Poky
Similar to: Slow
Derivative terms: Poke, Poke

3. Adjective. Small and remote and insignificant. "Passed a series of poky little one-horse towns"
Exact synonyms: Jerkwater, One-horse, Poky
Similar to: Provincial

Definition of Pokey

1. a. See Poky.

Definition of Pokey

1. Adjective. (qualifier of a room, house) of small volume, cramped ¹

2. Adjective. (slang) slow ¹

3. Adjective. (slang of a car) fast ¹

4. Noun. (slang with "the") prison. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pokey

1. poky [n -KEYS] - See also: poky

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pokey

pokerfaced
pokerish
pokerlike
pokeroot
pokeroots
pokers
pokes
pokes borack
pokes borax
pokes fun
pokeweed
pokeweed family
pokeweed mitogen
pokeweed mitogens
pokeweeds
pokey (current term)
pokeys
pokie
pokie machine
pokie machines
pokier
pokies
pokiest
pokily
pokiness
pokinesses
poking
poking borack
poking borax
poking fun

Literary usage of Pokey

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. St. Nicholas by Mary Mapes Dodge (1898)
"I hope you taught him not to chase me any more," said pokey, with some feeling. ... asked pokey. " Why, did n't you know our house was heated by a furnace? ..."

2. Sylvester Sound, the Somnambulist by Henry Cockton (1844)
"inquired pokey. But Legge returned no answer. " If there's anything fructifying in your mind, unpleasant," said Obadiah, " out with it, my boy, ..."

3. The Mendelssohn Club Cook Book by Mendelssohn Club (Rockford, Ill.) (1909)
"Hokey pokey. Pack ice cream in an ordinary square mold. When frozen, cut into squares, quickly wrap in tissue paper. ..."

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