jakes

¹

[ jeyks ]

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. an outdoor privy; outhouse.
2. a toilet or bedpan.

Jakes

²

[ jeyks ]

noun

1. John, 1932–2023, U.S. novelist noted for historical fiction: pen names include Jay Scotland.

jakes

/ dʒeɪks /

noun

1. an archaic slang word for lavatory
2. dialect.
   human excrement

Word History and Origins

Origin of jakes¹

1525–35; < French Jacques, proper name; john

Word History and Origins

Origin of jakes¹

C16: probably from French Jacques James

Example Sentences

The Division of Wildlife offered the jakes’ carcasses to an animal rehabilitation center to feed its raptors.

From Seattle Times

"We don't do this every day. Some days we clean out the jakes and pile it on the dung heap."

From Literature

In fact, many of his fellow jakes didn’t know until recently that he had MS.

From Washington Times

“Teenage males, or jakes, that are habituated to people get a bit aggressive.”

From New York Times

Sure, citizens will get to enjoy a substance less harmful than alcohol without worrying about the jakes.

From Salon