·noun A hangman. ·see Jack Ketch.
II. Ketch ·vt To Catch.
III. Ketch ·noun An almost obsolete form of vessel, with a mainmast and a mizzenmast, — usually from one hundred to two hundred and fifty tons burden.
Jack Ketch; a general name for the finishers of the law, or hangmen, ever since the year 1682, when ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
A vessel of the galliot order, equipped with two masts viz. the main and mizen masts usually from 10...
The Sailor's Word-Book
·- A public executioner, or hangman. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
The hangman; vide DERRICK and KETCH. ...