\Im*pris"on ment\, n. [OE. enprisonment; F.
emprisonnement.]
The act of imprisoning, or the state of being imprisoned;
confinement; restraint.

      His sinews waxen weak and raw Through long imprisonment
      and hard constraint.                     --Spenser.

      Every confinement of the person is an imprisonment,
      whether it be in a common prison, or in a private
      house, or even by foreibly detaining one in the public
      streets.                                 --Blackstone.

{False imprisonment}. (Law) See under {False}.

Syn: Incarceration; custody; confinement; durance; restraint.