Jack-in-a-box

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Jack-in-a-box \Jack-in-a-box\
     1. (Bot.) A tropical tree ({Hernandia sonora}), which bears a
        drupe that rattles when dry in the inflated calyx.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A child's toy, consisting of a box, out of which, when the


        lid is raised, a figure (usually a clown) springs; also
        called {jack-in-the-box}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Mech.) An epicyclic train of bevel gears for transmitting
        rotary motion to two parts in such a manner that their
        relative rotation may be variable; applied to driving the
        wheels of tricycles, road locomotives, and to cotton
        machinery, etc.; an equation box; a jack frame; -- called
        also {compensating gearing}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A large wooden screw turning in a nut attached to the
        crosspiece of a rude press.
        [1913 Webster]