cage / kāj/ • n. a structure of bars or wires in which birds or other animals are confined: she kept a canary in a cage. ∎  a prison cell or camp. ∎  an open framework forming the compartment in an elevator. ∎  a structure of crossing bars or wires designed to hold or support something. ∎  Baseball a portable backstop behind the batter during batting practice. ∎  (in hockey and other games) a goal made from a network frame. ∎  an indoor athletic facility with areas fenced off for security.• v. [tr.] (usu. be caged) confine in or as in a cage: the parrot screamed, furious at being caged | [as adj.] (caged) a caged bird. ∎ inf. put in prison.

cage.
1. Enclosure formed mostly of tracery, such as the screen surrounding a chantry-chapel, as in Winchester Cathedral.

2. Framework of a building in timber- or steelframed construction.

cage XIII. — (O)F. :- L. cavea stall, cage, coop, etc.