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Jack Ketch
(Jack" Ketch") [Perh. fr. Jack, the proper name + Prov. E. ketch a hangman, fr. ketch, for
catch to seize; but see the citations below.] A public executioner, or hangman. [Eng.]
The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard Jaquett, where felons for a long time were executed; from
whence we have Jack Ketch. Lloyd's MS., British Museum.
[Monmouth] then accosted John Ketch, the executioner, a wretch who had butchered many brave and
noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have
succeeded him in his odious office. Macaulay. Jackknife
(Jack"knife`) n. A large, strong clasp knife for the pocket; a pocket knife.
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