The Collaborative International Dictionary
Jig \Jig\, n. [OF. gigue a stringed instrument, a kind of dance, F. gigue dance, tune, gig; of German origin; cf. MHG. g[=i]ge fiddle, G. geige. Cf. Gig a fiddle, Gig a whirligig.] 1. (Mus.) A light, brisk musical movement. Hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig. --Shak. 3. A light, humorous piece of writing, esp. in rhyme; a farce in verse; a ballad. [Obs.] A jig shall be clapped at, and every rhyme Praised and applauded. --Beau. & Fl. 4. A piece of sport; a trick; a prank. [Obs.] Is't not a fine jig, A precious cunning, in the late Protector? --Beau. & Fl. 5. A trolling bait, consisting of a bright spoon and a hook attached. 6. (Mach.)
A small machine or handy tool; esp.: (Metal Working) A contrivance fastened to or inclosing a piece of work, and having hard steel surfaces to guide a tool, as a drill, or to form a shield or template to work to, as in filing.
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(Mining) An apparatus or a machine for jigging ore.
Drill jig, a jig for guiding a drill. See Jig, 6 (a) .
Jig drilling, Jig filing (Metal Working), a process of drilling or filing in which the action of the tool is directed or limited by a jig.
Jig saw, a sawing machine with a narrow, vertically reciprocating saw, used to cut curved and irregular lines, or ornamental patterns in openwork, a scroll saw; -- called also gig saw.