from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jetsam \Jet"sam\, Jetson \Jet"son\, n. [F. jeter to throw: cf.
OF. getaison a throwing. Cf. {Flotsam}, {Jettison}.]
1. (Mar. Law) Goods which sink when cast into the sea, and
remain under water; -- distinguished from {flotsam}, goods
which float, and {ligan} (or {lagan}), goods which are
sunk attached to a buoy.
[1913 Webster]
2. The act of throwing objects from a ship to lighten the
load; jettison[1]. See {Jettison}, 1.
[1913 Webster]
3. Hence: Anything thrown overboard from a ship, whether
floating or not.
[PJC]
4. Hence: [fig.] Objects scattered about in a disorderly
manner; as, he couldn't find his sneakers among the jetsam
in his room. [Colloq.]
[PJC]