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bull pen

or bullpen

noun

  1. Baseball.
    1. a place where relief pitchers warm up during a game.
    2. the relief pitchers on a team.
  2. Informal.
    1. a large cell or room, usually next to the courtroom, where prisoners are temporarily held.
    2. a large room in an office occupied by many employees.
  3. any temporary or crowded quarters, as sleeping quarters in a lumber camp.
  4. a pen for a bull or bulls.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of bull pen1

1800–10, Americanism bull pen fordef 4; 1920–25 bull pen fordef 1

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Example Sentences

The company had gathered about the bull-pen, pressing closely against the barrier, that they might lose no part of the show.

Unlock him at seven in the morning, and let him come to the bull-pen.

His imagination travelled on beyond the bull-pen, to the shabby dance-halls along the river.

Wesley Everest was taken to the city jail and thrown without ceremony upon the cement floor of the "bull pen."

"We can't stand another campaign," said a rebel deserter at the bull pen.

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