Jervis (Mrs.), the virtuous housekeeper of young Squire B. Mrs. Jervis protects Pam´ela when her young master assails[assails] her.—Richardson, Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded (1740).
Jessamy, the son of Colonel Oldboy. He changed his name in compliment to Lord Jessamy, who adopted him and left him his heir. Jessamy is an affected, conceited prig, who dresses as a fop, carries a muff to keep his hands warm, and likes old china better than a pretty girl. This popinjay proposes to Clarissa Flowerdale; but she despises him, much to his indignation and astonishment.—Bickerstaff, Lionel and Clarissa (1735-1790).
He’s a coxcomb, a fop, a dainty milksop,
Who essenced and dizened from bottom to top,
And looked like a doll from a milliner’s shop...
He shrugs and takes snuff, and carries a muff,
A minickin, finicking, French powdered puff.
Act i. 1.
Jessamy Bride (The), Mary Horneck, with whom Goldsmith fell in love in (1769).
Jes´sica, daughter of Shylock, the Jew. She elopes with Lorenzo.—Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice (1597).