What does "ketch" mean?

Ketch: An almost obsolete form of vessel, with a mainmast and a mizzenmast, -- usually from one hundred to two hundred and fifty tons burden. Bomb ketch. See under Bomb.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A hangman. See Jack Ketch.
  2. 3.To catch. [Now obs. in spelling, and colloq. in pronunciation.] To ketch him at a vantage in his snares. Spenser.

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