jackstraw adjective 2noun 2forms 1phrases 1 adjective2 •Resembling a bundle of jackstraws that has been strewn on a surface.Along the grass-grown wharves,—silver-gray piles which crumbled at the ends into a jackstraw heap of rotting logs,—there was no human stir. — 1906 •(no longer used) Of no substance or worth.[…] if you are my daughter, you shall wear these for your father’s sake!—How now, madam! Refuse me! I command you on your obedience to accept of this—I will not be a Jack-straw father— — 1754 noun2 •[usually plural] One of the pieces used for the game called jackstraws or pick-up sticks.If I wasn’t a good Christian, it’s on my naked knees I’d be saying my prayers and paters to every jackstraw you have roofing your head, and every stony pebble is paving the laneway to your door. — 1907 •(old-fashioned) An insignificant person. formsjackstraws Phrases with jackstraw care a jackstrawTo care (at all).
