Hell

n. [A-S. hell, D. hel, O. H. Ger. hella, hellia, M. H. Ger. helle, N. H. Ger. hölle, Goth. halja, Icel. hel, death, Sw. helvete, helfvete, Dan. helvede, hell; originally Icel. Hel, A-S. Hell, O. H. Ger. Hella, Hellia, Goth. Halja is the Goddess of Death, from A-S. & O. H. Ger. helan, to hele, conceal. See HELE.]

1. The place of the dead, or of souls after death; the lower regions, or the grave; called in Hebrew sheol, and by the Greeks hades. “He descended into hell.” Common Prayer.
2. The place or state of punishment for the wicked after death; the abode of evil spirits.

I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape, And bid me hold my peace. Shak. 3. A place where outcast persons or things are gathered; as, (a.) A dungeon or prison; also, in certain games, a place to which those who are caught are carried for detention. (b.) A gambling-house. (c.) A place into which a tailor throws his shreds, or a printer his broken type. Hudibras. Gates of hell (Script.), the power and policy of Satan and his instruments.