"job" Definition

Definitions for the word "job" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
A sudden thrust or stab; a jab.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A piece of chance or occasional work; any definite work undertaken in gross for a fixed price; as, he did the job for a thousand dollars.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A public transaction done for private profit; something performed ostensibly as a part of official duty, but really for private gain; a corrupt official business.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Any affair or event which affects one, whether fortunately or unfortunately.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A situation or opportunity of work; as, he lost his job.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To strike or stab with a pointed instrument.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To thrust in, as a pointed instrument.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To do or cause to be done by separate portions or lots; to sublet (work); as, to job a contract.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To buy and sell, as a broker; to purchase of importers or manufacturers for the purpose of selling to retailers; as, to job goods.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To hire or let by the job or for a period of service; as, to job a carriage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
To do chance work for hire; to work by the piece; to do petty work.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. i.
To seek private gain under pretense of public service; to turn public matters to private advantage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. i.
To carry on the business of a jobber in merchandise or stocks.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
The hero of the book of that name in the Old Testament; the typical patient man.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
1 piece of work to be done; task. 2 position in, or piece of, paid employment. 3 colloq. Difficult task (had a job to find it). 4 slang crime, esp. A robbery. 5 state of affairs etc. (bad job). v. (-bb-) 1 do jobs; do piece-work. 2 deal in stocks; buy and sell (stocks or goods). 3 deal corruptly with (a matter). just the job colloq. Exactly what is wanted. Make a job (or good job) of do well. On the job colloq. 1 at work. 2 engaged in sexual intercourse. Out of a job unemployed. [origin unknown]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
16. slang
“a JOB lot,” otherwise called a “sporting lot,” any miscellaneous goods purchased at a cheap rate, or to be sold a bargain. Frequently used to conceal the fact of their being stolen, or otherwise dishonestly obtained.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
17. slang
a short piece of work, a prospect of employment. Johnson describes JOB as a low word, without etymology. It is, and was, however, a cant word; and a JOB, two centuries ago, was an arranged robbery. Even at the present day it is mainly confined to the streets, in the sense of employment for a short time. Amongst undertakers a JOB signifies a funeral; “to do a JOB,” conduct any one’s funeral; “by the JOB,” _i.e._, piece-work, as opposed to time-work. A JOB in political phraseology is a Government office or contract, obtained by secret influence or favouritism. Any unfair arrangement is now called a JOB.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
18. slang
a sudden blow, as “a JOB in the eye.” Also used as a verb, “I’ll JOB this here knife in your ribs.”
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "job" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "job" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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