jack-in-the-box

Or jack-in-a-box

[jak-in-thuh-boks]

noun

plural

jack-in-the-boxes 

1. a toy consisting of a box from which an enclosed figure springs up when the lid is opened.

jack-in-the-box

noun

1. a toy consisting of a figure on a compressed spring in a box, which springs out when the lid is opened

Word History and Origins

Origin of jack-in-the-box¹

First recorded in 1545–55