U.S. [In sense 1 app. f. Jim, var. of Jem (cf. JEMMY sb. 6) + CROW sb.1 5: in 2, from Jim Crow, used as generic name for a negro, from the refrain of a popular negro melody, ‘Wheel about and turn about and jump Jim Crow.’]
1. An implement for bending or straightening iron rails by the pressure of a screw.
1875. in Knight, Dict. Mech.
2. attrib. in Jim Crow car, slang term for a railway carriage or car for the use of negroes; jim-crow planing-machine (see quot.).
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 1216/1. The jim-crow planing-machine is furnished with a reversing tool, to plane both ways, and named from its peculiar motion, as the tool is able to ‘wheel about and turn about.’
1900. Morning Leader, 19 Dec., 5/5. ‘Jim-Crow’ Cars. In many Southern States there are laws compelling the railroad companies to run on their trains separate cars for colored people … which are called ‘Jim-Crow’ cars.
