Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

John-a-Nokes

noun
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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about John-a-Nokes

Statistics for John-a-Nokes

Look-up Popularity

Comments on John-a-Nokes

What made you want to look up John-a-Nokes? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gnomic

Listen to the pronounciation of gnomic

characterized by aphorism

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

  • cow coming home
  • What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

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