Turnkey
Defined in 5 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Anderson (1889), Bouvier (1839)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
A person under the superintendence of a jailer, 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 neglect
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
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.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A Dictionary of Law
William C. Anderson · 1889
A jailer's assistant whose special duty is to open and close (lock) the door or doors of the prison. See Escape, 1 (3).
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
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.