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.
Jack Ketch darted forward, his polished black shoes almost soundless on the leaf-mold.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
“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 is now, by a rapid change of scene, discovered in limbo, and condemned to death; why, we were too stupid to make out.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, September 25, 1841 by Various
The son of a great author cannot be handled too tenderly by the critical Jack Ketch.
From The Art Of Writing & Speaking The English Language Word-Study and Composition & Rhetoric by Cody, Sherwin
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
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.
