Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Jack Ketch
Jack′ Ketch′
.[Perh. fr.
Jack
, the proper name + Prov. E. ketch
a hangman, fr. ketch
, for catch
to seize; but see the citations below.] A public executioner, or hangman.
[Eng.]
The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard
Jaquett
, where felons for a long time were executed; from whence we have Jack Ketch
. Lloyd’s MS., British Museum.
[Monmouth] then accosted
John Ketch
, the executioner, a wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his odious office. Macaulay.