Magdalene asylum
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English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Named after Mary Magdalene, traditionally associated with prostitution and patron saint of penitent sinners.
Noun
[edit]Magdalene asylum (plural Magdalene asylums)
- (historical) A religious prison for prostitutes and unmarried mothers, usually as a source of forced labour.
Synonyms
[edit]- Magdalene hospital, Magdalen hospital
- Magdalene laundry (chiefly Ireland)