Turnkey
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
A person under the superintendence of a jailor, whose employment is to open and fasten the prison doors and to prevent the prisoners from escaping. It is his duty to use due diligence, and he may be punished for gross neglect or wilful misconduct in permitting prisoners to escape.