jig
UK: dʒɪɡ | US: dʒɪɡ
n. 1. A lively dance with leaping movements.
n. 2. A device or tool used to hold or guide a workpiece during machining.
vt. 3. To dance or move with quick, jerky motions.
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The word "jig" likely originated in the mid-16th century, possibly from Old French giguer ("to dance") or Middle French gigue ("a fiddle"). Its dual meanings—referring to both a dance and a mechanical tool—emerged separately. The dance sense reflects the word's musical and rhythmic roots, while the tool sense may derive from the idea of quick, precise movements akin to the dance. The exact path remains debated, but its vivid, energetic connotations persist in both uses.
The band played a lively jig, and the crowd clapped along.
He used a jig to ensure the drill holes were perfectly aligned.
The fish jigged at the end of the line, trying to escape.
Traditional Irish music often features a fast-paced jig.
She crafted a wooden jig to simplify the assembly process.