jem·my I. \ˈjemi\adjective Etymology: alteration (influenced by the nickname Jemmy) of jimp + -y now dialect England: spruce, neat, snappy II. noun (-es) Etymology: from Jemmy, nickname for James 1.Britain: jimmy 1 < jemmies in action, stealthy footsteps creeping upstairs and down — Rose Macaulay > 2.Britain: a sheep's head used for food 3.dialect England: greatcoat