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(jk), n.[Pg. jaca, Malayalam, tsjaka.] (Bot.) A large tree, the Artocarpus integrifolia, common in the East Indies, closely allied to the breadfruit, from which it differs in having its leaves entire. The fruit is of great size, weighing from thirty to forty pounds, and through its soft fibrous matter are scattered the seeds, which are roasted and eaten. The wood is of a yellow color, fine grain, and rather heavy, and is much used in cabinetwork. It is also used for dyeing a brilliant yellow. [Written also jak.] Jack (), n.[F. Jacques James, L. Jacobus, Gr. , Heb. Ya 'aqb Jacob; prop., seizing by the heel; hence, a supplanter. Cf. Jacobite, Jockey.] 1. A familiar nickname of, or substitute for, John. You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rugby. Shak. 2. An impertinent or silly fellow; a simpleton; a boor; a clown; also, a servant; a rustic. "Jack fool." Chaucer. Since every Jack became a gentleman, There 's many a gentle person made a Jack. Shak. 3. A popular colloquial name for a sailor; -- called also Jack tar, and Jack afloat. 4. A mechanical contrivance, an auxiliary machine, or a subordinate part of a machine, rendering convenient service, and often supplying the place of a boy or attendant who was commonly called Jack; as: (a) A device to pull off boots. (b) A sawhorse or sawbuck. (c) A machine or contrivance for turning a spit; a smoke jack, or kitchen jack. (b) (Mining) A wooden wedge for separating rocks rent by blasting. (e) (Knitting Machine) A lever for depressing the sinkers whic Jack (), n.[F. jaque, jacque, perh. from the proper name Jacques. Cf. Jacquerie.] A coarse and cheap medival coat of defense, esp. one made of leather. Their horsemen are with jacks for most part clad. Sir J. Harrington. Jack (), n.[Named from its resemblance to a jack boot.] A pitcher or can of waxed leather; -- called also black jack. [Obs.] Dryden. Jack v. i.To hunt game at night by means of a jack. See 2d Jack, n., 4, n. Jack v. t.To move or lift, as a house, by means of a jack or jacks. See 2d Jack, n., 5. スポンサード リンク
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