JACKAROO

Etymology

Obscure. Possibly from an Aboriginal term meaning ‘wandering white man’.

Noun

jackaroo (plural jackaroos)

(Australia, Queensland, obsolete) A white man living outside of a white settlement.

(Australia) A trainee station manager or owner, working as a stockman or farm hand; formerly, a young man of independent means working at a station in a supernumerary capacity to gain experience.

Coordinate terms

• jackarooesse

• jillaroo (“female jackaroo”)

• jilleroo

Verb

jackaroo (third-person singular simple present jackaroos, present participle jackarooing, simple past and past participle jackarooed)

(intransitive) To work as a jackaroo.

Source: Wiktionary

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Jack`a*roo", n. Also Jack`e*roo". [Jack + kangaroo.]

Definition: A young man living as an apprentice on a sheep station, or otherwise engaged in acquainting himself with colonial life. [Colloq., Australia]

Jack`a*roo", v. i.

Definition: To be a jackaroo; to pass one's time as a jackaroo. [Colloq., Australia]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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