Bridewell

Origin

From Bridewell (named after a well dedicated to St Bride), an area of London that once had a "house of correction".

Full definition of bridewell

Noun

1. (dated in British, rare elsewhere) A small prison, or a police station that has cells.
• 2002, Joseph O'Conner, Star of the Sea, Vintage 2003, p. xix:Two Fermanagh girls who never laughed were certain that he must have served time in a bridewell, so cold was his expression and so calloused his small hands.

Usage notes

Several English cities have streets named "Bridewell" where a police station is located.