"jack" Definition

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

1. n.
A large tree, the Artocarpus integrifolia, common in the East Indies, closely allied to the breadfruit, from which it differs in having its leaves entire. The fruit is of great size, weighing from thirty to forty pounds, and through its soft fibrous matter are scattered the seeds, which are roasted and eaten. The wood is of a yellow color, fine grain, and rather heavy, and is much used in cabinetwork. It is also used for dyeing a brilliant yellow.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A familiar nickname of, or substitute for, John.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
An impertinent or silly fellow; a simpleton; a boor; a clown; also, a servant; a rustic.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A popular colloquial name for a sailor; -- called also Jack tar, and Jack afloat.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A mechanical contrivance, an auxiliary machine, or a subordinate part of a machine, rendering convenient service, and often supplying the place of a boy or attendant who was commonly called Jack
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A device to pull off boots.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A sawhorse or sawbuck.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A machine or contrivance for turning a spit; a smoke jack, or kitchen jack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A wooden wedge for separating rocks rent by blasting.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
A lever for depressing the sinkers which push the loops down on the needles.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
A grating to separate and guide the threads; a heck box.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A machine for twisting the sliver as it leaves the carding machine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
A compact, portable machine for planing metal.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
A machine for slicking or pebbling leather.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
A system of gearing driven by a horse power, for multiplying speed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
A hood or other device placed over a chimney or vent pipe, to prevent a back draught.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
In the harpsichord, an intermediate piece communicating the action of the key to the quill; -- called also hopper.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
In hunting, the pan or frame holding the fuel of the torch used to attract game at night; also, the light itself.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
A portable machine variously constructed, for exerting great pressure, or lifting or moving a heavy body through a small distance. It consists of a lever, screw, rack and pinion, hydraulic press, or any simple combination of mechanical powers, working in a compact pedestal or support and operated by a lever, crank, capstan bar, etc. The name is often given to a jackscrew, which is a kind of jack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. n.
The small bowl used as a mark in the game of bowls.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. n.
The male of certain animals, as of the ass.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. n.
A young pike; a pickerel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. n.
The jurel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. n.
A large, California rock fish (Sebastodes paucispinus); -- called also boccaccio, and merou.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. n.
The wall-eyed pike.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
26. n.
A drinking measure holding half a pint; also, one holding a quarter of a pint.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
27. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
28. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
29. n.
The knave of a suit of playing cards.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
30. n.
A coarse and cheap mediaeval coat of defense, esp. one made of leather.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
31. n.
A pitcher or can of waxed leather; -- called also black jack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
32. v. i.
To hunt game at night by means of a jack. See 2d Jack, n., 4, n.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
33. v. t.
To move or lift, as a house, by means of a jack or jacks. See 2d Jack, n., 5.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
34. n.
1 device for raising heavy objects, esp. Vehicles. 2 court-card with a picture of a soldier, page, etc. 3 ship''s flag, esp. Showing nationality. 4 device using a single-pronged plug to connect an electrical circuit. 5 small white target ball in bowls. 6 a = *jackstone. B (in pl.) Game of jackstones. 7 (jack) familiar form of john, esp. Typifying the common man, male animal, etc. (i''m all right, jack). v. (usu. Foll. By up) 1 raise with or as with a jack (in sense 1). 2 colloq. Raise (e.g. Prices). every man jack every person. Jack in slang abandon (an attempt etc.). [familiar form of the name john]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
35. slang
the knave of trumps, at the game of all-fours.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "jack" 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 "jack" 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.

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