from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gaol \Gaol\ (j[=a]l), n. [See {Jail}.]
A place of confinement, especially for minor offenses or
provisional imprisonment; a jail. [Preferably, and in the
United States usually, written {jail}.]
[1913 Webster]
{Commission of general gaol delivery}, an authority conferred
upon judges and others included in it, for trying and
delivering every prisoner in jail when the judges, upon
their circuit, arrive at the place for holding court, and
for discharging any whom the grand jury fail to indict.
[Eng.]
{Gaol delivery}. (Law) See {Jail delivery}, under {Jail}.
[1913 Webster]