Monkey jacket

Monkey jacket
Monkey Mon"key, n.; pl. {Monkeys}. [Cf. OIt. monicchio, It. monnino, dim. of monna an ape, also dame, mistress, contr. fr. madonna. See {Madonna}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) (a) In the most general sense, any one of the Quadrumana, including apes, baboons, and lemurs. (b) Any species of Quadrumana, except the lemurs. (c) Any one of numerous species of Quadrumana (esp. such as have a long tail and prehensile feet) exclusive of apes and baboons. [1913 Webster]

Note: The monkeys are often divided into three groups: ({a}) {Catarrhines}, or {Simid[ae]}. These have an oblong head, with the oblique flat nostrils near together. Some have no tail, as the apes. All these are natives of the Old World. ({b}) {Platyrhines}, or {Cebid[ae]}. These have a round head, with a broad nasal septum, so that the nostrils are wide apart and directed downward. The tail is often prehensile, and the thumb is short and not opposable. These are natives of the New World. ({c}) {Strepsorhines}, or {Lemuroidea}. These have a pointed head with curved nostrils. They are natives of Southern Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. [1913 Webster]

2. A term of disapproval, ridicule, or contempt, as for a mischievous child. [1913 Webster]

This is the monkey's own giving out; she is persuaded I will marry her. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. The weight or hammer of a pile driver, that is, a very heavy mass of iron, which, being raised on high, falls on the head of the pile, and drives it into the earth; the falling weight of a drop hammer used in forging. [1913 Webster]

4. A small trading vessel of the sixteenth century. [1913 Webster]

{Monkey boat}. (Naut.) (a) A small boat used in docks. (b) A half-decked boat used on the River Thames.

{Monkey block} (Naut.), a small single block strapped with a swivel. --R. H. Dana, Jr.

{Monkey flower} (Bot.), a plant of the genus {Mimulus}; -- so called from the appearance of its gaping corolla. --Gray.

{Monkey gaff} (Naut.), a light gaff attached to the topmast for the better display of signals at sea.

{Monkey jacket}, a short closely fitting jacket, worn by sailors.

{Monkey rail} (Naut.), a second and lighter rail raised about six inches above the quarter rail of a ship.

{Monkey shine}, monkey trick. [Slang, U.S.]

{Monkey trick}, a mischievous prank. --Saintsbury.

{Monkey wheel}. See {Gin block}, under 5th {Gin}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • monkey jacket — n. [from the resemblance to coats worn by trained monkeys] Informal a man s short, closefitting jacket; often, specif., MESS JACKET …   English World dictionary

  • Monkey jacket — Civil War era sailor in Monkey Jacket. A monkey jacket is a waist length jacket tapering at the back to a point. Historically monkey jackets were commonly worn by sailors. References Jeans, Peter D. Ship to Shore. ISBN 0874367174 …   Wikipedia

  • monkey jacket — noun a) A type of close fit jacket worn by sailors You bully boys of Liverpool, Ill have you to beware, b) A semiformal lightweight jacket, usually made of nylon, with striped cuffs and neck, similar to an MA 1 flight jacket. When you sail on… …   Wiktionary

  • monkey jacket — a short, close fitting jacket or coat, formerly worn by sailors. [1820 30; so called from its resemblance to a jacket worn by an organ grinder s monkey] * * * …   Universalium

  • monkey jacket — mon′key jack et n. clo mess jacket • Etymology: 1820–30; so called from its resemblance to the jacket worn by an organ grinder s monkey …   From formal English to slang

  • monkey jacket — noun waist length jacket tapering to a point at the back; worn by officers in the mess for formal dinners • Syn: ↑mess jacket, ↑shell jacket • Hypernyms: ↑jacket …   Useful english dictionary

  • monkey jacket — n. mess jacket, shell jacket, tight fitting evening jacket worn as part of a uniform (by officers in the mess for formal dinners) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • monkey jacket — /ˈmʌŋki dʒækət/ (say mungkee jakuht) noun 1. → mess jacket. 2. a short, close fitting jacket, formerly worn by sailors. {from its resemblance to the jackets worn by performing monkeys} …  

  • monkey jacket — noun Date: circa 1822 mess jacket …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • monkey jacket — noun a short, close fitting jacket worn by sailors or waiters or by officers in their mess …   English new terms dictionary

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