Chapter 844

Like an uninstructed bowler who thinks to attain the jack by delivering his bowl straight forward upon it. Sir W. Scott.

7. The male of certain animals, as of the ass.

8. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A young pike; a pickerel. (b) The jurel. (c) A large, California rock fish ( Sebastodes paucispinus ); -- called also boccaccio , and m\'82rou . (d) The wall-eyed pike.

9. A drinking measure holding half a pint; also, one holding a quarter of a pint. [Prov. Eng.]

Halliwell.

10. (Naut.) (a) A flag, containing only the union, without the fly, usually hoisted on a jack staff at the bowsprit cap; -- called also union jack . The American jack is a small blue flag, with a star for each State. (b) A bar of iron athwart ships at a topgallant masthead, to support a royal mast, and give spread to the royal shrouds; -- called also jack crosstree .

R. H. Dana, Jr.

<page="795"> Page 795

11. The knave of a suit of playing cards.

<-- 12. (pl) same as jackstone (which see): A game played with small (metallic, with tetrahedrally oriented spikes) objects (the jacks(1950+), formerly jackstones) that are tossed, caught, picked up, and arranged on a horizontal surface in various patterns; in the modern American game, the movements are accompanied by tossing or bouncing a rubber ball on the horizontal surface supporting the jacks. 13. (slang) Money. 14 (MW10= 9) a. Apple jack. b. brandy -->

&hand; Jack is used adjectively in various senses. It sometimes designates something cut short or diminished in size ; as, a jack timber; a jack rafter; a jack arch, etc.

Jack arch , an arch of the thickness of one brick. -- Jack back (Brewing & Malt Vinegar Manuf.) , a cistern which receives the wort. See under 1st Back . -- Jack block (Naut.) , a block fixed in the topgallant or royal rigging, used for raising and lowering light masts and spars. -- Jack boots , boots reaching above the knee; -- worn in the 17 century by soldiers; afterwards by fishermen, etc. <-- see jack-booted --> -- Jack crosstree . (Naut.) See 10, b , above. -- Jack curlew (Zo\'94l.) , the whimbrel. -- Jack frame . (Cotton Spinning) See 4 (g) , above. -- Jack Frost , frost personified as a mischievous person. -- Jack hare , a male hare. Cowper . -- Jack lamp , a lamp for still hunting and camp use. See def. 4 (n.) , above. -- Jack plane , a joiner's plane used for coarse work. -- Jack post , one of the posts which support the crank shaft of a deep-well-boring apparatus. -- Jack pot (Poker Playing) , the name given to the stakes, contributions to which are made by each player successively, till such a hand is turned as shall take the "pot," which is the sum total of all the bets. <-- see also jackpot --> -- Jack rabbit (Zo\'94l.) , any one of several species of large American hares, having very large ears and long legs. The California species ( Lepus Californicus ), and that of Texas and New Mexico ( L. callotis ), have the tail black above, and the ears black at the tip. They do not become white in winter. The more northern prairie hare ( L. campestris ) has the upper side of the tail white, and in winter its fur becomes nearly white. -- Jack rafter (Arch.) , in England, one of the shorter rafters used in constructing a hip or valley roof; in the United States, any secondary roof timber, as the common rafters resting on purlins in a trussed roof; also, one of the pieces simulating extended rafters, used under the eaves in some styles of building. -- Jack salmon (Zo\'94l.) , the wall-eyed pike, or glasseye. -- Jack sauce , an impudent fellow. [Colloq. & Obs.] -- Jack shaft (Mach.) , the first intermediate shaft, in a factory or mill, which receives power, through belts or gearing, from a prime mover, and transmits it, by the same means, to other intermediate shafts or to a line shaft. -- Jack sinker (Knitting Mach.) , a thin iron plate operated by the jack to depress the loop of thread between two needles. -- Jack snipe . (Zo\'94l.) See in the Vocabulary. -- Jack staff (Naut.) , a staff fixed on the bowsprit cap, upon which the jack is hoisted. -- Jack timber (Arch.) , any timber, as a rafter, rib, or studding, which, being intercepted, is shorter than the others. -- Jack towel , a towel hung on a roller for common use. -- Jack truss (Arch.) , in a hip roof, a minor truss used where the roof has not its full section. -- Jack tree . (Bot.) See 1st Jack , n. -- Jack yard (Naut.) , a short spar to extend a topsail beyond the gaff.

Blue jack , blue vitriol; sulphate of copper. -- Hydraulic jack , a jack used for lifting, pulling, or forcing, consisting of a compact portable hydrostatic press, with its pump and a reservoir containing a supply of liquid, as oil. -- Jack-at-a-pinch . (a) One called upon to take the place of another in an emergency . (b) An itinerant parson who conducts an occasional service for a fee. -- Jack-at-all-trades , one who can turn his hand to any kind of work. -- Jack-by-the-hedge (Bot.) , a plant of the genus Erysimum ( E. alliaria , or Alliaria officinalis ), which grows under hedges. It bears a white flower and has a taste not unlike garlic. Called also, in England, sauce-alone . Eng. Cyc . -- Jack-in-a-box . (a) (Bot.) A tropical tree ( Hernandia sonora ), which bears a drupe that rattles when dry in the inflated calyx . (b) A child's toy, consisting of a box, out of which, when the lid is raised, a figure springs . (c) (Mech.) An epicyclic train of bevel gears for transmitting rotary motion to two parts in such a manner that their relative rotation may be variable; applied to driving the wheels of tricycles, road locomotives, and to cotton machinery, etc.; an equation box; a jack frame; -- called also compensating gearing . (d) A large wooden screw turning in a nut attached to the crosspiece of a rude press. -- Jack-in-office , an insolent fellow in authority. Wolcott . -- Jack-in-the-bush (Bot.) , a tropical shrub with red fruit ( Cordia Cylindrostachya ). -- Jack-in-the-green , a chimney sweep inclosed in a framework of boughs, carried in Mayday processions. -- Jack-in-the-pulpit (Bot.) , the American plant Aris\'91ma triphyllum , or Indian turnip, in which the upright spadix is inclosed. -- Jack-of-the-buttery (Bot.) , the stonecrop ( Sedum acre ). -- Jack-of-the-clock , a figure, usually of a man, on old clocks, which struck the time on the bell. -- Jack-on-both-sides , one who is or tries to be neutral. -- Jack-out-of-office , one who has been in office and is turned out. Shak . -- Jack the Giant Killer , the hero of a well-known nursery story. -- Jack-with-a-lantern , Jack-o'-lantern . (a) An ignis fatuus; a will-o'-the-wisp . "[Newspaper speculations] supplying so many more jack-o'-lanterns to the future historian." Lowell . (b) A lantern made of a pumpkin so prepared as to show in illumination the features of a human face, etc. -- Yellow Jack (Naut.) , the yellow fever; also, the quarantine flag. See Yellow flag , under Flag .

Jack <Xpage=795>

Jack (?) , n. [F. jaque , jacque , perh. from the proper name Jacques . Cf. Jacquerie .] A coarse and cheap medi\'91val coat of defense, esp. one made of leather.

Their horsemen are with jacks for most part clad. Sir J. Harrington.

Jack <Xpage=795>

Jack (?) , n. [Named from its resemblance to a jack boot .] A pitcher or can of waxed leather; -- called also black jack . [Obs.]

Dryden.

Jack <Xpage=795>

Jack , v. i. To hunt game at night by means of a jack. See 2d Jack , n. , 4, n.

Jack <Xpage=795>

Jack , v. t. To move or lift, as a house, by means of a jack or jacks. See 2d Jack , n. , 5. <-- = jack up -->

Jack-a-dandy <Xpage=795>

Jack`-a-dan"dy (?) , n. A little dandy; a little, foppish, impertinent fellow.

Jackal <Xpage=795>

Jack"al` (?) , n. [Pers. shagh\'bel : cf. OF. jackal , F. chacal ; cf. Skr. \'87\'f0g\'bela .]

1. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.

&hand; The common species of Southern Asia ( Canis aureus ) is yellowish gray, varied with brown on the shoulders, haunches, and legs. The common African species ( C. anthus ) is darker in color.

2. One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated. [Colloq.]

Ld. Lytton.

Jack-a-lent <Xpage=795>

Jack"-a-lent (?) , n. A small stuffed puppet to be pelted in Lent; hence, a simple fellow.

Jackanapes <Xpage=795>

Jack"a*napes (?) , n. [For Jack o' (= of ) apes ; prop., a man who exhibits apes.] [Written also jackanape .]

1. A monkey; an ape.

Shak.

2. A coxcomb; an impertinent or conceited fellow.

A young upstart jackanapes . Arbuthnot.

Jackass <Xpage=795>

Jack"ass` (?) , n. [2d jack + ass .]

1. The male ass; a donkey.

2. A conceited dolt; a perverse blockhead.

Jackass bark (Naut.) , a three-masted vessel, with only the foremast square-rigged; a barkentine. -- Jackass deer (Zo\'94l.) , the koba. -- Jackass hare , Jackass rabbit (Zo\'94l.) . See Jack rabbit , under 2d Jack , n. -- Jackass penguin (Zo\'94l.) , any species of penguin of the genus Spheniscus , of which several are known. One species ( S. demersus ) inhabits the islands near the Cape of Good Hope; another ( S. Magellanicus ) is found at the Falkland Islands. They make a noise like the braying of an ass; -- hence the name. -- Laughing jackass . (Zo\'94l.) See under Laughing .

Jackdaw <Xpage=795>

Jack"daw` (?) , n. [Prob. 2d jack + daw , n. ] (Zo\'94l.) See Daw , n.

Jackeen <Xpage=795>

Jack*een" (?) , n. A drunken, dissolute fellow. [Ireland]

S. C. Hall.

Jacket <Xpage=795>

Jack"et (?) , n. [F. jaquette , dim. of jaque . See 3d Jack , n. ]

1. A short upper garment, extending downward to the hips; a short coat without skirts.

2. An outer covering for anything, esp. a covering of some nonconducting material such as wood or felt, used to prevent radiation of heat, as from a steam boiler, cylinder, pipe, etc.

3. (Mil.) In ordnance, a strengthening band surrounding and re\'89nforcing the tube in which the charge is fired.

4. A garment resembling a waistcoat lined with cork, to serve as a life preserver; -- called also cork jacket .

Blue jacket . (Naut.) See under Blue . -- Steam jacket , a space filled with steam between an inner and an outer cylinder, or between a casing and a receptacle, as a kettle. -- To dust one's jacket , to give one a beating. [Colloq.]

Jacket <Xpage=795>

Jack"et , v. t. 1. To put a jacket on; to furnish, as a boiler, with a jacket.

2. To thrash; to beat. [Low]

Jacketed <Xpage=795>

Jack"et*ed , a. Wearing, or furnished with, a jacket.

Jacketing <Xpage=795>

Jack"et*ing , n. The material of a jacket; as, nonconducting jacketing .

Jack Ketch <Xpage=795>

Jack" Ketch" (?) . [Perh. fr. Jack , the proper name + Prov. E. ketch a hangman, fr. ketch , for catch to seize; but see the citations below.] A public executioner, or hangman. [Eng.]

The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard Jaquett , where felons for a long time were executed; from whence we have Jack Ketch . Lloyd's MS., British Museum.

[Monmouth] then accosted John Ketch , the executioner, a wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his odious office. Macaulay.

Jackknife <Xpage=795>

Jack"knife` (?) , n. A large, strong clasp knife for the pocket; a pocket knife.

Jackman <Xpage=795>

Jack"man (?) , n. ; pl. Jackmen (<?/) .

1. One wearing a jack; a horse soldier; a retainer. See 3d Jack , n.

Christie . . . the laird's chief jackman . Sir W. Scott.

2. A cream cheese. [Obs.]

Sir T. Elyot.

Jack-o'-lantern <Xpage=795>

Jack"-o'-lan`tern (?) , n. See Jack-with-a-lantern , under 2d Jack .

<-- Jackpot <Xpage=795>

Jackpot 1. (a) See "jack pot" under jack; (b) any larger-than-usual gambling prize formed by the accumulation of unwon bets[=MW10 1(a)(2) and 1(c)]; (c) the highest gambling prize awarded in a gambling game in which smaller prizes are also awarded, especially such a prize on a slot machine. 2. (a) An unusually large success in an enterprise, either unexpected or unpredictable, esp. one providing a great financial benefit. hit the jackpot to receive an unexpectedly large (or the largest possible) benefit from an enterprise. -->

Jackpudding <Xpage=795>

Jack"pud`ding (?) , n. A merry-andrew; a buffoon.

Milton.

Jacksaw <Xpage=795>

Jack"saw` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) The merganser.

Jackscrew <Xpage=795>

Jack"screw` (?) , n. A jack in which a screw is used for lifting, or exerting pressure. See Illust . of 2d Jack , n. , 5.

Jackslave <Xpage=795>

Jack"slave` (?) , n. A low servant; a mean fellow.

Shak.

Jacksmith <Xpage=795>

Jack"smith` (?) , n. A smith who makes jacks. See 2d Jack , 4, c.

Dryden.

Jacksnipe <Xpage=795>

Jack"snipe` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A small European snipe ( Limnocryptes gallinula ); -- called also judcock , jedcock , juddock , jed , and half snipe . (b) A small American sandpiper ( Tringa maculata ); -- called also pectoral sandpiper , and grass snipe .

Jackstay <Xpage=795>

Jack"stay` (?) , n. (Naut.) A rail of wood or iron stretching along a yard of a vessel, to which the sails are fastened.

Jackstone <Xpage=795>

Jack"stone` (?) , n. (a) One of the pebbles or pieces used in the game of jackstones. (b) ( pl. ) A game played with five small stones or pieces of metal. See 6th Chuck . <-- also called "jacks" see jack, n. 12 -->

Jackstraw <Xpage=795>

Jack"straw` (?) , n. 1. An effigy stuffed with straw; a scarecrow; hence, a man without property or influence.

Milton.

2. One of a set of straws of strips of ivory, bone, wood, etc., for playing a child's game, the jackstraws being thrown confusedly together on a table, to be gathered up singly by a hooked instrument, without touching or disturbing the rest of the pile. See Spilikin . <-- = Sim. to pick-up-sticks (U.S. 1940+), played with thin wooden sticks of different colors, having different values for scoring, and dislodged from the pile with the hand or one of the sticks -->

Jackwood <Xpage=795>

Jack"wood` (?) , n. Wood of the jack ( Artocarpus integrifolia ), used in cabinetwork.

Jacob <Xpage=795>

Ja"cob (?) , n. [Cf. F. Jacob . See 2d Jack .] A Hebrew patriarch (son of Isaac, and ancestor of the Jews), who in a vision saw a ladder reaching up to heaven ( Gen. xxviii. 12 ); -- also called Israel .

And Jacob said . . . with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I am become two bands. Gen. xxxii. 9, 10.

Thy name shall be called no more Jacob , but Israel. Gen. xxxii. 28.

Jacob's ladder . (a) (Bot.) A perennial herb of the genus Polemonium ( P. c\'d2ruleum), having corymbs of drooping flowers, usually blue. Gray . (b) (Naut.) A rope ladder, with wooden steps, for going aloft . R. H. Dana, Jr . (c) (Naut.) A succession of short cracks in a defective spar. -- Jacob's membrane . See Retina . -- Jacob's staff . (a) A name given to many forms of staff or weapon, especially in the Middle Ages; a pilgrim's staff . [Obs.] Spenser . (b) (Surveying) See under Staff .

Jacob\'91an lily <Xpage=795>

Jac`o*b\'91"an lil"y (?) . [See Jacobean .] (Bot.) A bulbous plant ( Amaryllis, &or; Sprekelia, formosissima ) from Mexico. It bears a single, large, deep, red, lilylike flower. [Written also Jacobean .]

Jacobean; 277, Jacobian <Xpage=795>

Ja*co"be*an (?; 277) , Ja*co"bi*an (?) , a. [From L. Jacobus James. See 2d Jack .] Of or pertaining to a style of architecture and decoration in the time of James the First, of England. "A Jacobean table."

C. L. Eastlake.

Jacobin <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bin (?) , n. [F. See 2d Jack , Jacobite .]

1. (Eccl. Hist.) A Dominican friar; -- so named because, before the French Revolution, that order had a convent in the Rue St. Jacques, Paris.

2. One of a society of violent agitators in France, during the revolution of 1789, who held secret meetings in the Jacobin convent in the Rue St. Jacques, Paris, and concerted measures to control the proceedings of the National Assembly. Hence: A plotter against an existing government; a turbulent demagogue.

3. (Zo\'94l.) A fancy pigeon, in which the feathers of the neck form a hood, -- whence the name. The wings and tail are long, and the beak moderately short.

Jacobin <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bin , a. Same as Jacobinic .

Jacobine <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bine (?) , n. A Jacobin.

Jacobinic, Jacobinical <Xpage=795>

Jac`o*bin"ic (?) , Jac`o*bin"ic*al (?) , a. Of or pertaining to the Jacobins of France; revolutionary; of the nature of, or characterized by, Jacobinism. Burke . -- Jac`o*bin"ic*al*ly , adv.

Jacobinism <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bin*ism (?) , n. [Cf. F. Jacobinisme .] The principles of the Jacobins; violent and factious opposition to legitimate government.

Under this new stimulus, Burn's previous Jacobitism passed towards the opposite, but not very distant, extreme of Jacobinism . J. C. Shairp.

Jacobinize <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bin*ize` (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Jacobinized (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Jacobinizing (?) .] [Cf. F. Jacobiniser .] To taint with, or convert to, Jacobinism.

France was not then jacobinized . Burke.

Jacobite <Xpage=795>

Jac"o*bite (?) , n. [L. Jacobus James: cf. F. Jacobite . See 2d Jack .]

1. (Eng. Hist.) A partisan or adherent of James the Second, after his abdication, or of his descendants, an opposer of the revolution in 1688 in favor of William and Mary.

Macaulay.