Jack Ketch

American  

[kech] / kɛtʃ /

noun

British Slang.

1. a public hangman.

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Jack Ketch British  

/ kɛtʃ /

noun

1. archaic a hangman

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Etymology

Origin of Jack Ketch

First recorded in 1665–75; named after John Ketch (1663?–86), English executioner noted for his brutality

Example Sentences

Jack Ketch darted forward, his polished black shoes almost soundless on the leaf-mold.

From Literature

“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 Literature

The bigger man put his hands out, linked them to make a step, and Jack Ketch’s black-clad foot went into it.

From Literature

Having thus cooled down Divine vengeance, Moses himself became the Jack Ketch, or executioner of his brethren.

From Project Gutenberg

At that age I should have had no objection to a little physical force fighting; but I was sober enough to see its impracticability, and thus I frustrated the acquaintance, which Liverpool, Castlereagh, Sidmouth, and their spy Edwards, wished to bring me into with Jack Ketch.

From Project Gutenberg