Cage

n. [N. Fr. cage, O. Fr. caive, Sp. & Pg. gavia, It. gabbia, gaggia, from Lat. cavea, cavity, an inclosure for animals, stall, den, coop, from cavus, hollow.]

1Sense 1. A box or inclosure, wholly or partly of open work, in wood or metal, used for confining birds or other animals.

In his cage, like parrot fine and gay. Cowper.

2Sense 2. A place of confinement for criminals.

Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage; Minds innocent and quiet take That for a hermitage. Lovelace.

3Sense 3. (Carp.) An outer work of timber, inclosing another within it; as, the cage of a staircase. Gwilt.

4Sense 4. (Mach.) Something placed over a valve to keep it from getting out of place. [See Illust. of Air-chamber.]

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CAGED; p. pr. & vb. n. CAGING.] To confine in a cage; to shut up or confine. “Caged and starved to death.” Cooper.