jackleg
jack·leg
adjective \ˈjak-ˌleg, -ˌlāg\Definition of JACKLEG
1
a : characterized by unscrupulousness, dishonesty, or lack of professional standards <a jackleg lawyer> b : lacking skill or training : amateur <a jackleg carpenter>
Examples of JACKLEG
- <a toolshed that can be built by any jackleg carpenter who's capable of hitting a nail without smashing his thumb>
- <he did such a jackleg installation of that door frame that now the door won't shut>
Origin of JACKLEG
1jack + -leg (as in blackleg)
First Known Use: 1850
Related to JACKLEG
- Synonyms
- amateur, backyard, avocational, nonprofessional, Sunday
- Antonyms
- ace, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, master, masterful, masterly, professional, virtuosic, virtuoso
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