online medical dictionary | definition of jigger

1. One who, or that which, jigs; specifically, a miner who sorts or cleans ore by the process of jigging; also, the sieve used in jigging.

2. A horizontal table carrying a revolving mold, on which earthen vessels are shaped by rapid motion; a potter's wheel. A templet or tool by which vessels are shaped on a potter's wheel.

3. A light tackle, consisting of a double and single block and the fall, used for various purposes, as to increase the purchase on a topsail sheet in hauling it home; the watch tackle. A small fishing vessel, rigged like a yawl.

A supplementary sail. See Dandy, 2 .

4. A pendulum rolling machine for slicking or graining leather; same as Jack, 4 . Jigger mast.

The after mast of a four-masted vessel. The small mast set at the stern of a yawlrigged boat.

See: Jig, n. & v.

<zoology> A species of flea (Sarcopsylla, or Pulex, penetrans), which burrows beneath the skin. See Chigoe.

Origin: A corrupt. Of chigre.

(01 Mar 1998)