workhouses (institutions) en

Institutions overseeing the confinement and labor of people impoverished or otherwise unable to pay debts, particularly during 17th-19th century in Europe and America, especially those established under the various Poor Laws of England. These institutions eventually degenerated into dumping places for impoverished people, criminals, infirm, elderly, and the mentally ill. For similar institutions intended to provide punishment and reformation of the criminal, use "houses of correction (institutions)." For institutions providing charitable care for the poor, use "almshouses (institutions)."