Jack Ketch

[ kech ]

/ kɛtʃ /

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noun British Slang.

a public hangman.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of Jack Ketch

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

Words nearby Jack Ketch

jacking engine, jack-in-office, jack-in-the-box, jack-in-the-green, jack-in-the-pulpit, Jack Ketch, jackknife, jackknife-fish, jack ladder, jackleg, jacklight

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Jack Ketch in a sentence

Among the rioters, to sum up the account of their infamy and wretchedness, was Jack Ketch himself.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2|Camden Pelham
Come, at last urged Jack Ketch, the time is arrived; but his coaxing words and tone were unavailing.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2|Camden Pelham
(he pulls the rope forcibly down, and hangs Jack Ketch) Huzza!
Punch and Judy|Willliam J. Judd
Punch knocks down Jack Ketch, and continues to dance and sing.
Punch and Judy|Willliam J. Judd

For this impudent usurpation of judiciary powers Jack Ketch was forced to flee and never dared return.
The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals|Edmund P. Evans

British Dictionary definitions for Jack Ketch

Jack Ketch

/ (kɛtʃ) /

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