Jack Tar, a sailor.
Jacob, a ladder. Grose says, from Jacob’s dream.—Old Cant.
Jacob’s ladder, a longitudinal flaw in the leg of a ballet-girl’s tights.
Jagger, a gentleman. German, Jager, a sportsman.
Jail-bird, a prisoner, one who has been in jail.
James, a sovereign, or twenty shillings. From Jacobus, the James II. guinea.
Jannock, sociable, fair dealing.—Norfolk. Generally now [JONNICK], which see.
Japan, to ordain. Having evident reference to the black clothes which follow ordination.—University.
Jark, a “safe-conduct” pass.—Oxford. Old cant for a seal.
Jarvey, the driver of a hackney-coach; “Jarvey’s upper Benjamin,” a coachman’s overcoat, with many capes. An ingenious etymology has been found for Jarvey, thus:—Jarvey, vernacular for Geoffrey, which was often written Geo. (gee-ho), hence Jarvey. This is open to considerable objection, as George is shortened in similar manner to that shown above. Still it is worthy of record, independently of its ingenuity, being as exact as many accepted derivations.