from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jig \Jig\, n. [OF. gigue a stringed instrument, a kind of dance,
F. gigue dance, tune, gig; of German origin; cf. MHG.
g[imac]ge fiddle, G. geige. Cf. {Gig} a fiddle, {Gig} a
whirligig.]
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1. (Mus.) A light, brisk musical movement.
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Hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig. --Shak.
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3. A light, humorous piece of writing, esp. in rhyme; a farce
in verse; a ballad. [Obs.]
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A jig shall be clapped at, and every rhyme
Praised and applauded. --Beau. & Fl.
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4. A piece of sport; a trick; a prank. [Obs.]
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Is't not a fine jig,
A precious cunning, in the late Protector? --Beau. &
Fl.
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5. A trolling bait, consisting of a bright spoon and a hook
attached.
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6. (Mach.)
(a) A small machine or handy tool; esp.: (Metal Working) A
contrivance fastened to or inclosing a piece of work,
and having hard steel surfaces to guide a tool, as a
drill, or to form a shield or template to work to, as
in filing.
(b) (Mining) An apparatus or a machine for jigging ore.
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{Drill jig}, a jig for guiding a drill. See {Jig}, 6
(a) .
{Jig drilling}, {Jig filing} (Metal Working), a process of
drilling or filing in which the action of the tool is
directed or limited by a jig.
{Jig saw}, a sawing machine with a narrow, vertically
reciprocating saw, used to cut curved and irregular lines,
or ornamental patterns in openwork, a scroll saw; --
called also {gig saw}.
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