Jack-a-Lent

noun

1
: a small stuffed puppet set up to be pelted for fun in Lent
2
: a simple or insignificant person

Word History

Etymology

jack entry 1 + a (of) + Lent

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jack-a-Lent was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near Jack-a-Lent

Cite this Entry

“Jack-a-Lent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jack-a-Lent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!