Can you help me with a translation of a word please?

[Evil Genius]

I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I'm currently reading a book by Maeve Binchy and she keeps using the word "gaol" First of all, how do you pronounce it and second of all what does it mean?

Thanks for the help!

Cheers!!!

EG

 

[alisonbestford]

Jail?

 

[jen_uk]

Yes I think she means Jail

 

[alisonbestford]

Just 'Googled' Gaol and it would appear she does
Absolutely no idea how to pronounce it though

 

[Evil Genius]

hmmm, never thought of googling it. Just figured I'd come here. Jail, well that works for some of it but she keeps calling one of the characters a "gaol" maybe a person who's been in jail??

I appreciate the help.

 

[UKDEB]

Yes, it's the old English word for "jail" and is pronounced in exactly the same way.

 

[UKDEB]

Jail, well that works for some of it but she keeps calling one of the characters a "gaol" maybe a person who's been in jail??

Not a gaoler?

 

[pokemon_master]

First off, Welcome to the UK boards EG.. Are you trying to follow me or something..

I haven't any idea what a Gaol is so I assume they mean Jail.. I am too young for this sort of lingo..

 

[kristieuk]

Gaol is an old English word for jail - means the same thing. Hope that works in the context of what you're reading!