jack
• noun 1 a device for lifting heavy objects. 2 a playing card bearing a representation of a soldier, page, or knave, normally ranking next below a queen. 3 (also jack socket) a socket designed to receive a jack plug. 4 the small white ball at which bowls players aim. 5 a small playing-piece used in tossing and catching games. 6 (jacks) a game played by tossing and catching jacks. 7 a small national flag flown at the bow of a vessel in harbour. 8 the male of various animals, e.g. the donkey. 9 used in names of animals and plants that are smaller than similar kinds, e.g. jack pine. a perch-like marine fish, typically with a row of large spiky scales along each side. • verb 1 (jack up) raise with a jack. 2 (jack up) informal increase by a considerable amount. 3 (jack in/into) log into or connect up (a computer or electronic device). 4 (jack in) Brit. informal give up. 5 (jack up) Austral. give up or refuse to participate. — PHRASES every man jack informal every single person. jack of all trades (and master of none) a person who can do many different types of work (but has special skill in none). — ORIGIN from Jack, familiar form of the given name John, used originally to denote an ordinary man.
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