n.
Pronunciation: ' jak- ˌ pät
Function: noun
Date: 1881
1 a (1) : a hand or game of draw poker in which a pair of jacks or better is required to open (2) : a large pot (as in poker) formed by the accumulation of stakes from previous play b (1) : a combination on a slot machine that wins a top prize or all the coins available for paying out (2) : the sum so won c : the top prize in a game or contest (as a lottery) that is typically a large fund of money formed by the accumulation of unwon prizes
2 : an impressive often unexpected success or reward
3 chiefly West : a tight spot : JAM