A lively dance in 6/8 (double jig), 9/8 (slip jig) or 12/8 (single jig) time; a tune suitable for such a dance. By extension, a lively traditional tune in any of these time signatures. Unqualified, the term is usually taken to refer to a double (6/8) jig.
A dance performed by one or sometimes two individual dancers, as opposed to a dance performed by a set or team.
A type of lure consisting of a hook molded into a weight, usually with a bright or colorful body.
A device in manufacturing, woodworking, or other creative endeavors for controlling the location, path of movement, or both of either a workpiece or the tool that is operating upon it. Subsets of this general class include machining jigs, woodworking jigs, welders' jigs, jewelers' jigs, and many others.
To cut or form, as a piece of metal, in a jigging machine.
Origin
Unknown. A derivation from Old French gigue has been proposed, but the connection and sense development are obscure. The sense “a type of dance” of modern gigue is borrowed from English.
, of uncertain origin, perhaps an African/ word. Alternatively, jigaboo is derived from jig.
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.