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
The office of public executioner or Jack Ketch of a canton in Switzerland, as well as in many parts of Germany, is very appropriately endowed.
From Olla Podrida by Marryat, Frederick
Jack Ketch himself hesitates to perform his duty, and would be glad to lose his fee by a reprieve.
From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan
No Jack Ketch could have performed the operation for him, in a more effectual manner.
From Lost Lenore The Adventures of a Rolling Stone by Beach, Charles A.
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.
