Jack Ketch

[kech]

noun British Slang.

a public hangman.

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 of jack ketch

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

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