■ noun informal
1》 often derogatory an American.
2》 US an inhabitant of New England or one of the northern states.
↘ historical a Federal soldier in the Civil War.
3》 a bet on four or more horses to win (or be placed) in different races.
4》 (also ~ jib ) Sailing a large jib set forward of a staysail in light winds.
5》 used in radio communication as a code word representing the letter Y.
Origin
C18: origin uncertain; recorded in the late 17th cent. as a nickname; perh. from Du. Janke , dimin. of Jan 'John'.