quarter-jack
1. [Jack n.1 6.] A jack of the clock which strikes the quarters.
| 1604 Middleton Father Hubbard's T. Wks. (Bullen) VIII. 54 The quarter-jacks in Paul's, that are up with their elbows four times an hour. 1771 [see Jack n.1 6]. 1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd I. xvi. 190 A little canopy with a quarter-jack and small bell beneath it. 1971 Country Life 10 June 1444/3, I was fortunate in being on the spot to take this photograph when the Quarter Jack was brought down..for repairs. |
2. [jack n.7] A jack-boot cut down.
| 1809 A. Sir Frantic the Reformer 75 His first born Long with these boots did's shanks adorn, Until..He made them into quarter-jacks. |
3. [Jack n.1] Mil. slang. = quartermaster 2 a.
| 1930 G. McMunn Behind Scenes in Many Wars xiv. 300 Fresh caviare..annoyed our men when they got a ration of it and complained of ‘that black jam, what the quarter-jack had said was fish’. |