jury-rig

[ joor-ee-rig ]

noun

1. Nautical. a temporary rig to replace a permanent rig that has been disabled, lost overboard, etc.
2. any makeshift arrangement of machinery or the like.

verb (used with object)

, ju·ry-rigged, ju·ry-rig·ging.

1. to assemble quickly or from whatever is at hand, especially for temporary use:

   to jury-rig stage lights using automobile headlights.

2. Nautical. to replace (a rudder, mast, etc.) with a jury-rig:

   We jury-rigged a fore-topmast after the storm had snapped ours off.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury-rig¹

First recorded in 1840–50; jury ²( def ) + rig ( def )

Example Sentences

And a little spell ago you was tellin' me you'd never be able to cruise again except under jury rig.

From Project Gutenberg

If Mrs Vansittart would supply him with a crew, he believed he could fit the craft with a jury rig and take her into port.

From Project Gutenberg

I got up my jury rig—the oar and the spray shield—and took the helm.

From Project Gutenberg

She's helpless; we're not, for we've got a jury-rig under the bows.

From Project Gutenberg