Jack Ketch
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Jack Ketch
First recorded in 1665–75; named after John Ketch (1663?–86), English executioner noted for his brutality
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Hul-lo,” said Jack Ketch, with a twitch of his mustache, and he smiled at Scarlett through the bars like a rabbit with a secret.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
Jack Ketch darted forward, his polished black shoes almost soundless on the leaf-mold.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
But Jack Ketch comes at last; Punch's frolics are past, There is no one his cause to befriend; His nonsense and fun Are all, alas, done; He has come to a very bad end!
From The National Nursery Book With 120 illustrations by Unknown
That’s Jack Ketch; and that’s the coffin; and that’s the devil.
From Original Penny Readings A Series of Short Sketches by Fenn, George Manville
Whatever Richard was, it seems he was a most excellent and kind-hearted brother, and scrupled not on any occasion to be the Jack Ketch of the times.
From Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard the Third by Walpole, Horace
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
