~ 1
■ noun
1》 a device for lifting heavy objects, especially one for raising the axle of a motor vehicle.
2》 a playing card bearing a representation of a soldier, page, or knave, normally ranking next below a queen.
3》 (also ~ socket ) a socket designed to receive a ~ plug.
4》 (in bowls) a small white ball at which the players aim.
5》 (also ~stone ) a small round pebble or star-shaped piece of metal or plastic used in tossing and catching games.
↘( ~s ) a game played by tossing and catching ~s.
6》 a small version of a national flag flown at the bow of a vessel in harbour.
7》 N. Amer. informal money.
8》 a device for turning a spit.
9》 a part of the mechanism in a spinet or harpsichord that connects a key to its corresponding string.
10》 a perch-like marine fish, typically with a row of large spiky scales along each side. [Family Carangidae: numerous species.]
11》 the male of various animals, especially a merlin or ( N. Amer. ) an ass.
12》 used in names of animals and plants that are smaller than similar kinds, e.g. ~ pine .
■ verb
1》 ( ~ something up ) raise something with a ~.
2》 ( ~ something up ) informal increase something by a considerable amount.
3》 ( ~ in/into ) log into or connect up (a computer or electronic device).
Phrases
every man ~ informal every single person.
~ of all trades ( and master of none ) a person who can do many different types of work (but has special skill in none).
Phrasal verbs
~ someone around N. Amer. informal cause someone inconvenience or problems.
~ something in Brit. informal cease doing something.
~ off vulgar slang masturbate.
~ up informal
1》 inject oneself with a narcotic drug.
2》 Austral. give up or refuse to participate.
Origin
ME: from Jack , familiar form of the given name John , used orig. to denote an ordinary man, hence the 'knave' in cards and 'male animal', also denoting various devices saving human labour.
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~ 2
■ noun historical
1》 another term for black~ (in sense 5).
2》 a sleeveless padded tunic worn by foot soldiers. [ME: from OFr. jaque ; origin uncertain, perh. based on Arab.]
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~ 3
■ adjective Austral. informal tired of or bored with someone or something.
Origin
C19: from ~ up (see ~ 1 ).
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~ 4
■ verb informal, chiefly N. Amer. take (something) illicitly; steal.
Origin
1990s: from hi~ .