Jarnac (Coup de), a cut which severs the ham-string. So called from a cut given by Jarnac to La Chateigneraie in a duel fought in the presence of Henri II., in 1547.
Jarn´dyce v. Jarn´dyce ( 2 syl.), a Chancery suit “never ending, still beginning,” which had dragged its slow length along over so many years that it had blighted the prospects and ruined the health of all persons interested in its settlement.—C. Dickens, Bleak House (1853).
Jarndyce (Mr.), client in the great Chancery suit of “Jarndyce v. Jarndyce,” and guardian of Esther Summerson. He concealed the tenderest heart under a flimsy churlishness of demeanor, and could never endure to be thanked for any of his numberless acts of kindness and charity. If anything went wrong with him, or his heart was moved to melting, he would say, “I am sure the wind is in the east.”—C. Dickens, Bleak House (1853).
Jarvie (Bailie Nicol), a magistrate at Glasgow, and kinsman of Rob Roy. He is petulant, conceited, purse proud, without tact, and intensely prejudiced, but kind-hearted and sincere. Jarvie marries his maid. The novel of Rob Roy has been dramatized by J. Pocock, and Charles Mackay was the first to appear in the character of “Bailie Nicol Jarvie.” Talfourd says (1829): “Other actors are sophisticate, but Macay is the thing itself.”—Sir W. Scott, Rob Roy (time, George I.).
The character of Bailie Nicol Jarvie is one of the author’s happiest conceptions, and the idea of carrying him to the wild, rugged mountains, among outlaws and desperadoes—at the same time that he retained a keen relish of the comforts of the Saltmarket of Glasgow, and a due sense of his dignity as a magistrate—complete the ludicrous effect of the picture.—Chambers, English Literature, ii. 587.
Jarvis, a faithful old servant, who tries to save his master, Beverly, from his fatal passion of gambling.—Edward Moore, The Gamester (1753).
Jarvis (Warner). Cynical traveller who comes to Castle Nowhere, and loses his heart to Silver.—Constance Fennimore Woolson, Castle Nowhere.
Jason. King of Thessaly, commander of Argonautic expedition, and unfaithful husband of Medea.
Jaspar was poor, heartless, and wicked; he lived by highway robbery, and robbery led to murder. One day he induced a poor neighbor to waylay his landlord; but the neighbor relented, and said, “Though dark the night, there is One above who sees in darkness.” “Never fear!” said Jaspar; “for no eye above or below can pierce this darkness.” As he spoke an unnatural light gleamed on him, and he became a confirmed maniac.—R. Southey, Jaspar (a ballad).
Jasper (Old), a ploughman at Glendearg Tower.—Sir W. Scott, The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).