SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

John-a-Nokes

noun
Save Word
variants: or John-a-Noakes \ ˌjänəˈnōks \

Definition of John-a-Nokes

archaic
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown as willing to plead for John-a-Nokes as for the first noble of the land— Sir Walter Scott — compare john-a-stiles

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for John-a-Nokes

alteration of earlier John at Noke, from the name John + at Noke, probably from Middle English atten ok at the oak tree

Learn More About John-a-Nokes

Dictionary Entries Near John-a-Nokes

John A. Grindle

John-a-Nokes

John-apple

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for John-a-Nokes

Cite this Entry

“John-a-Nokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John-a-Nokes. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

riposte

Listen to the pronunciation of riposte

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games