[Sense of jack uncertain: taken by some as JACK sb.2, but may be JACK sb.1] A large strong boot the top of which came above the knee, serving as defensive armor for the leg, worn by cavalry soldiers in the 17th and 18th centuries; also, a large boot coming above the knee, worn by fishermen and others.
1686. Lond. Gaz., No. 2182/4. He had a light bob Periwig … and a pair of Jack-Boots.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 435, ¶ 6. Should they meet a Man on Horseback, in his Breeches and Jack-Boots.
1712. E. Cooke, Voy. S. Sea, 74. Leather, so dress’d that it is not inferior to Iron, like our Jack-Boots.
1773. Mackenzie, Man Feel. (1886), 41. Two jack-boots concealed, in part, the well-mended knees of an old pair of buckskin breeches.
1824. W. Irving, T. Trav., I. 17. A meagre but fiery postilion, who with tremendous jack-boots and cocked hat was floundering on before him.
1861. Sala, Dutch Pict., xii. 181. Jack-boots with long brass spurs.
Hence Jack-booted a.
1856. Morning Post, 15 Oct., 3/4. This jack-booted, leather-breeched, table-striding highwayman.
Jack-boot, -boots (= the ‘Boots’ at an inn): see JACK sb.1 35.
