Definition of "gaol-birds" [gaol-birds]

• Plural form of gaol-bird. (noun)

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• "These are the eggs from which gaol-birds are hatched; if you wish to check that dreadful brood, you must take the young and innocent, and have them reared by Christian hands."
• "The ‘exciting’ plan was laid aside (with a very honourable forbearance on the part of the publishers), because, on attempting it, I found that I failed from want of experience of my subject; and never having been intimate with any convict in my life, and the manners of ruffians and gaol-birds being quite unfamiliar to me, the idea of entering into competition with M. Eugene Sue was abandoned."
• "The British Army, richly blessed with gaol-birds, had no trouble in finding expert coiners in its ranks."