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

“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

This chile niver seed so many o’ the Jack Ketch kind since he fust set foot on the soil o’ Texas.

From The Lone Ranche by Reid, Mayne

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 Hanshew, Thomas W.

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 Colman, George