Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

Jack Ketch

[kech]
See more synonyms for Jack Ketch on Thesaurus.com
noun British Slang.
  1. a public hangman.
Show More

Origin of Jack Ketch

First recorded in 1665–75; named after John Ketch (1663?–86), English executioner noted for his brutality
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for jack ketch

Historical Examples

  • Dun was alſo the general name of hangman, before that of Jack-ketch.

    The Olden Time Series, Vol. 6: Literary Curiosities

    Henry M. Brooks

British Dictionary definitions for jack ketch

Jack Ketch

noun
  1. British archaic a hangman
Show More

Word Origin

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