sponging-house

noun1

1. •
   (historical) A place of temporary confinement for debtors, kept by a bailiff, where debtors were sponged of all money they had on themselves, before being transferred to debtor's prison.

   • she perswaded the Creditors to send Two Bayliffs, who carry'd me to a Spunging-House in a very weak Condition […] — 1723