Found 2 items, similar to jack-in-the-box.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: jack-in-the-box jack-in-the-box n : plaything consisting of a toy clown that jumps out of a box when the lid is opened [also: jacks-in-the-box (pl)]
English → English (gcide) Definition: jack-in-the-box Jack-in-a-box \Jack-in-a-box\ 1. (Bot.) A tropical tree (Hernandia sonora), which bears a drupe that rattles when dry in the inflated calyx. [1913 Webster] 2. A child's toy, consisting of a box, out of which, when the lid is raised, a figure (usually a clown) springs; also called jack-in-the-box. [1913 Webster] 3. (Mech.) An epicyclic train of bevel gears for transmitting rotary motion to two parts in such a manner that their relative rotation may be variable; applied to driving the wheels of tricycles, road locomotives, and to cotton machinery, etc.; an equation box; a jack frame; -- called also compensating gearing. [1913 Webster] 4. A large wooden screw turning in a nut attached to the crosspiece of a rude press. [1913 Webster]