jackstraw

[ jak-straw ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

one of a group of strips of wood or similar objects, as straws or toothpicks, used in the game of jackstraws.
jackstraws, (used with a singular verb) a game in which players compete in picking up, one by one, as many jackstraws as possible without disturbing the heap.
Obsolete.
1. a straw-stuffed figure of a man; scarecrow; straw man.
2. an insignificant person.

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First recorded in 1590–1600; after Jack Straw, name or nickname of one of the leaders of the rebellion headed by Wat Tyler in 1381 in England

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