JACK KETCH Jack" Ketch". Etym: [Perh. fr. Jack, the proper name + Prov. E. ketch a hangman, fr. ketch, for catch to seize; but see the citations below.]
Defn: A public executioner, or hangman. [Eng.] The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard Jaquett, where felons for a long time were executed; from whence we have Jack Ketch. Lloyd's MS., British Museum. [Monmouth] then accosted John Ketch, the executioner, a wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his odious office. Macaulay.
JACKKNIFE
Jack"knife`, n.
Defn: A large, strong clasp knife for the pocket; a pocket knife.
JACK-'-LANTERN
Jack"-o'-lan`tern, n.
Defn: See Jack-with-a-lantern, under 2d Jack.
JACKMAN
Jack"man, n.; pl. Jackmen (.
1. One wearing a jack; a horse soldier; a retainer. See 3d Jack, n. Christie . . . the laird's chief jackman. Sir W. Scott.
2. A cream cheese. [Obs.] Sir T. Elyot.
JACK-O'-LANTERN
Jack"-o'-lan`tern, n.