jackstraw

[ jak-straw ]

noun

1. one of a group of strips of wood or similar objects, as straws or toothpicks, used in the game of jackstraws.
2. 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.
3. Obsolete.
   1. a straw-stuffed figure of a man; scarecrow; straw man.
   2. an insignificant person.

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

Example Sentences

“The Colony Fire specifically is burning in a really bad spot … where these trees are like jackstraws and it’s difficult to put fire personnel into some of these areas because of that,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Simply leaving trees alone can lead to fires that burn more intensely in beetle-killed stands and spread more rapidly through overcrowded areas with dangerous jackstraw patterns.

From Washington Times

In the distance, against billowing white clouds, stood a jackstraw jumble of ships' masts.

From Literature

It was a little bit like playing jackstraws, where you toss all the straws down in a pile and then try to take one away without disturbing the others.

From Literature

The chairs and easels were piled up like jackstraws at the beginning of a game.

From Project Gutenberg