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 grim Jack Ketch disturb’d it, crying “Gallows!”
From Broad Grins Comprising, With New Additional Tales in Verse, Those Formerly Publish'd Under the Title "My Night-Gown and Slippers." by George Colman
Jack Ketch had a merry time of it, while society looked on well pleased, for the most part.
From Elizabeth Fry by Mrs. E. R. Pitman
Now then, Mr. James Colliver, this is what those deluded women saw—this little dodge, which is going to help Jack Ketch to come into his own.”
From Cleek of Scotland Yard Detective Stories by Thomas W. Hanshew
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.
