BRIDEWELL, a work-house, or place of correction for vagrants, strumpets, and other disorderly persons. These are made to work, being maintained with clothing and diet; and when it seems good to their governors, they are sent by passes into their native countries; however, while they remain here, they are not only made to work, but, according to their crimes, receive once a fortnight such a number of stripes as the governor commands.