Etymograph

English

jib

Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin.

The story

Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin.uncertain The source flags this step as uncertain. Perhaps related to jib (‘shift or swing around’) (see below).

Another origin of jib

  1. Dutchc. 1500–presentgijbenuncertain
  2. Englishtodayjib

Attested since the 1680s (also spelled jibe and gybe), perhaps from Dutch gijben (a variant of gijpen (‘to turn sails suddenly’), whence certainly the form jibe) or else from Danish gibbe (‘jib, jibe’), related to Swedish gippa (‘jib, jibe, jerk, make jump’).

Another origin of jib

  1. Old Frenchc. 842–1400gibbeuncertain
  2. Middle Englishc. 1150–1500same form‘a swelling or protrusion in the body’
  3. Englishtodayjib

Today it means

noun A triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. In a sloop (see image) the basic jib reaches back roughly to the level of the mast.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / jib

Shirt and support for this word