Jack Ketch

[ kech ]

/ kɛtʃ /

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noun British Slang.

a public hangman.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Jack Ketch

First recorded in 1665–75; named after John Ketch (1663?–86), English executioner noted for his brutality

Words nearby Jack Ketch

jacking engine, jack-in-office, jack-in-the-box, jack-in-the-green, jack-in-the-pulpit, Jack Ketch, jackknife, jackknife-fish, jack ladder, jackleg, jacklight

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Jack Ketch in a sentence

Among the rioters, to sum up the account of their infamy and wretchedness, was Jack Ketch himself.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2|Camden Pelham
Come, at last urged Jack Ketch, the time is arrived; but his coaxing words and tone were unavailing.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2|Camden Pelham
(he pulls the rope forcibly down, and hangs Jack Ketch) Huzza!
Punch and Judy|Willliam J. Judd
Punch knocks down Jack Ketch, and continues to dance and sing.
Punch and Judy|Willliam J. Judd

For this impudent usurpation of judiciary powers Jack Ketch was forced to flee and never dared return.
The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals|Edmund P. Evans

British Dictionary definitions for Jack Ketch

Jack Ketch

/ (kɛtʃ) /

noun

British archaic a hangman

Word Origin for Jack Ketch

C18: after John Ketch (died 1686), public executioner in England

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012