Jackstraw

Quick meaning: Jackstraw is a noun meaning (usually in the plural) One of the pieces used for the game called jackstraws or pick-up sticks.

Meaning

(usually in the plural) One of the pieces used for the game called jackstraws or pick-up sticks.

More Meanings

1. Resembling a bundle of jackstraws that has been strewn on a surface.
2. (dated) An insignificant person.
3. (obsolete, of a person) Of no substance or worth.

Example Sentences

The landlord strode on jackstraw legs across the room.

Along the grass-grown wharves,—silver-gray piles which crumbled at the ends into a jackstraw heap of rotting logs,—there was no human stir.

He threw himself down on the far side and saw a white, hellishly misshapen creature pulling itself from beneath a jackstraw tumble of atlases and travel volumes.

If I wasn’t a good Christian, it’s on my naked knees I’d be saying my prayers and paters to every jackstraw you have roofing your head, and every stony pebble is paving the laneway to your door.

Word Forms

• jackstraws

Synonyms for jackstraw

Depending on context, synonyms include spillikin.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include spillikin, jackstone, spilikin, jacks, jack, jackman.

Related Dictionary Tools