\Jack" Ketch"\ [Perh. fr. Jack, the proper name +
Prov. E. ketch a hangman, fr. ketch, for catch to seize; but
see the citations below.]
A public executioner, or hangman. [Eng.]
      The manor of Tyburn was formerly held by Richard
      Jaquett, where felons for a long time were executed;
      from whence we have Jack Ketch.          --Lloyd's MS.,
                                               British
                                               Museum.
      [Monmouth] then accosted John Ketch, the executioner, a
      wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims,
      and whose name has, during a century and a half, been
      vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his
      odious office.                           --Macaulay.