booby hatch
noun
Nautical.
- a small hatch giving access to a ladder from the weather deck of a vessel to the interior of the hull.
- a small companion secured over a deck opening.
- a hoodlike hatch cover having a sliding top.
Slang.
- an insane asylum.
- jail.
Origin of booby hatch
First recorded in 1830–40
Words nearby booby hatch
boobhead,
boobialla,
booboisie,
boobook,
booby,
booby hatch,
booby prize,
booby trap,
booby-trap,
boodie,
boodle
British Dictionary definitions for booby hatch
booby hatch
noun
a hoodlike covering for a hatchway on a ship
US offensive, slang
a mental hospital