2 definitions 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] From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]: jack-in-the-box n : plaything consisting of a toy clown that jumps out of a box when the lid is opened [also: {jacks-in-the-box} (pl)]
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