Jack Ketch
Jack Ketch
[Perh. from Jack, the proper name + Prov. English ketch a hangman, from ketch, for catch to seize; but see the citations below.]
A public executioner, or hangman. [English]
The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard Jaquett, where felons for a long time were executed; from whence we have Jack Ketch.
[Monmouth] then accosted John Ketch, the executioner, a wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his odious office.