John-a-Stiles

noun

variants or John-a-Styles
ˌjänəˈstī(ə)lz
archaic
: the second party to legal proceedings when the true names of both parties are unknown compare john-a-nokes

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier John at Stile, from the name John + at Stile, probably from Middle English atte stile at the stile

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!

Dictionary Entries Near John-a-Stiles

Cite this Entry

“John-a-Stiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John-a-Stiles. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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