jack-knife
1
7.0
A large pocket knife with a blade that folds and locks
- noun
- /ˈdʒækˌnaɪf/
:
navaja
- The farmer stood, reached into a coverall pocket, and took out a bone-handled jack-knife.
Examples
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He always carries a jack-knife in his pocket for everyday tasks.
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The hiker used a jack-knife to prepare food during their camping trip.
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With his trusty jack-knife, he easily whittled the wood into a smooth shape.
Synonyms
1
7.6
A small folding knife with blades that fold into its handle
is a pocket folding knife that also locks its blade into position
1
6.4
A large folding knife with blades that fold into the handle
is the version that specifies a locking blade rather than only folding
How Small
Surface Forms
jack-knife singular
jack-knives plural
Morphology
Etymology
Jack-knife comes from jack, an old nickname for a common man or a simple tool that suggests 'ordinary' or 'useful', plus knife, so imagine a small, handy knife anyone might carry. That's why a jack-knife means a folding pocketknife you can fold up and lock for safe use.