clock jack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Historical)Specialist/Historical
Quick answer
What does “clock jack” mean?
A mechanical device for automatically rotating a spit (a rod for holding meat) over a fire, historically powered by a clockwork mechanism or weights.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanical device for automatically rotating a spit (a rod for holding meat) over a fire, historically powered by a clockwork mechanism or weights.
Historically, a specific type of roasting jack, which automated the turning of meat for even cooking. In modern contexts, sometimes used to refer to complex or antiquated mechanical systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic in both varieties. The object itself was common in both British and American kitchens before modern ovens.
Connotations
Evokes historical, antique, or rustic imagery. Suggests a time before electric appliances.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage. Found primarily in historical texts, museum descriptions, or among antique collectors.
Grammar
How to Use “clock jack” in a Sentence
[Verb] the clock jack: Wind/Serve/Operate the clock jack.[Adjective] clock jack: An ingenious/elaborate/rustic clock jack.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clock jack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, culinary history, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would require explanation.
Technical
Used in antique restoration, historical reenactment, or museum curation contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clock jack”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clock jack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clock jack”
- Using 'clock jack' to refer to a modern kitchen timer or clock. Using it as a verb.
- Confusing it with 'jack-in-the-box'.
- Misspelling as 'clockjack' (one word is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A clock jack is a specific, historical type of rotisserie mechanism, often powered by weights or clockwork, whereas 'rotisserie' is a more general modern term.
New ones are not typically manufactured for practical use, but antique clock jacks can be purchased from specialist dealers or at auctions for collectors and historical displays.
Historically, 'jack' was a common word for a mechanical device or contrivance, often one that substitutes for human labour (e.g., bootjack, jackhammer).
It is most commonly found as two separate words ('clock jack'), though hyphenated ('clock-jack') and compounded forms are also seen in historical texts.
A mechanical device for automatically rotating a spit (a rod for holding meat) over a fire, historically powered by a clockwork mechanism or weights.
Clock jack is usually specialist/historical in register.
Clock jack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɒk ˌdʒæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɑːk ˌdʒæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(As) regular as a clock jack - referring to something very reliable or rhythmic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLOCK that winds down to make a JACK (a device) turn the meat JACKet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RELIABLE MACHINE IS A CLOCKWORK DEVICE (e.g., 'He works like a clock jack').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'clock jack' primarily used for?