Dictionary entry

Oubliette

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Ou′bli′ette″ (?), n. [F., fr. oublier to forget, fr. (assumed) LL. oblitare, L. oblivisci, p. p. oblitus.] A dungeon with an opening only at the top, found in some old castles and other strongholds, into which persons condemned to perpetual imprisonment, or to perish secretly, were thrust, or lured to fall.

Sudden in the sun

An oubliette winks. Where is he? Gone. Mrs. Browning.