C18: after John Ketch (died 1686), public executioner in England
hangman in British English
(ˈhæŋmən)
nounWord forms: plural-men
an official who carries out a sentence of hanging on condemned criminals
Jack Ketch in American English
(ˈkɛtʃ)
British
an official hangman
Word origin
after a famous Eng public executioner, died 1686
Jack Ketch in American English
(ketʃ)
noun
Brit slang
a public hangman
Word origin
[1665–75; named after John Ketch (1663?–86), English executioner noted for his brutality]This word is first recorded in the period 1665–75. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: background, group, newsletter, regulation, setback