reformatory

adjective

1. serving or designed to reform: reformatory lectures; reformatory punishments.

noun, plural re·form·a·to·ries.

2. Also called reform school. a penal institution for reforming young offenders, especially minors.

noun plural -ries

1. Also called: reform school (formerly) a place of instruction where young offenders were sent for corrective trainingCompare approved school

adjective

2. having the purpose or function of reforming

adj.

1704, from past participle stem of Latin reformare “to transform, change” (see reform (v.)). As a noun, “house of correction for juveniles,” from 1758.