D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Jack-in-a-box

· IPA
01 A tropical tree (Hernandia sonora), which bears a drupe that rattles when dry in the inflated calyx.
  1. 1.
    A tropical tree (Hernandia sonora), which bears a drupe that rattles when dry in the inflated calyx.(Bot.)
  2. 2.
    A child's toy, consisting of a box, out of which, when the lid is raised, a figure (usually a clown) springs; also called jack-in-the-box. Also: jack-in-the-box
  3. 3.
    An epicyclic train of bevel gears for transmitting rotary motion to two parts in such a manner that their relative rotation may be variable; applied to driving the wheels of tricycles, road locomotives, and to cotton machinery, etc.; an equation box; a jack frame; -- called also compensating gearing.(Mech.) Also: compensating gearing
  4. 4.
    A large wooden screw turning in a nut attached to the crosspiece of a rude press.