gaol-birds

These are the eggs from which gaol-birds are hatched; if you wish to check that dreadful brood, you must take the young and innocent, and have them reared by Christian hands.

Speeches: Literary and Social 2007

The ‘exciting’ plan was laid aside (with a very honourable forbearance on the part of the publishers), because, on attempting it, I found that I failed from want of experience of my subject; and never having been intimate with any convict in my life, and the manners of ruffians and gaol-birds being quite unfamiliar to me, the idea of entering into competition with M. Eugene Sue was abandoned.

The History of Pendennis 2006

The British Army, richly blessed with gaol-birds, had no trouble in finding expert coiners in its ranks.

Sharpe's Siege Cornwell, Bernard 1987

Pity for a lickspittle parasite that battens on the passions and vices of hopeless gaol-birds, abandoned women, jaded pleasure-hunters and terrified neurasthenics!

Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

Old gaol-birds, however, are not treated so tenderly, but the Judges soon learn by experience when and how to apply this merciful arrangement, and when to refuse it altogether.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

Early in the morning of May 15th, 1917, we twelve gaol-birds, after being carefully searched, left for the station escorted by eight guards.

'Brother Bosch', an Airman's Escape from Germany Gerald Featherstone Knight

By an agreement between the Governments those serving terms of imprisonment for offences committed before the 4th of August, 1917, were released, a great number of the gaol-birds being sent to Ströhen.

'Brother Bosch', an Airman's Escape from Germany Gerald Featherstone Knight

If all Andalusians are potential gaol-birds they are also potential bull-fighters.

The Land of The Blessed Virgin; Sketches and Impressions in Andalusia 1919

Do you suppose it's any pleasure to me, for instance, to hear animals saying, as I go about, that I'm the chap that keeps company with gaol-birds? '

The Wind in the Willows 1908

The gaol-birds were nothing loth; after eight weeks at sea a spell ashore in this pleasant land, with all kinds of indulgences which did not come within the ordinary regimen of convicts and sailors, greatly appealing to them.

Christopher Columbus and the New World of His Discovery — Volume 6 Filson Young 1907