Advertisement
Advertisement
jackstraw
[ jak-straw ]
noun
- one of a group of strips of wood or similar objects, as straws or toothpicks, used in the game of jackstraws.
- jackstraws, (used with a singular verb) a game in which players compete in picking up, one by one, as many jackstraws as possible without disturbing the heap.
- Obsolete.
- a straw-stuffed figure of a man; scarecrow; straw man.
- an insignificant person.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of jackstraw1
First recorded in 1590–1600; after Jack Straw, name or nickname of one of the leaders of the rebellion headed by Wat Tyler in 1381 in England
Discover More
Example Sentences
The forest, swept as by a giant broom, became a jackstraw tangle of destruction.
From Project Gutenberg
What a jackstraw world this had proved itself to him in this last week!
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse