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A.Word.A.Day--jackboot

jackboot (JAK-boot) noun

1. A long, sturdy, leather boot reaching up to or above the knee, worn especially by soldiers in the Nazi regime.

2. Oppressive, bullying, or authoritarian tactics.

3. A person who employs such tactics.

[Where the word jack in jackboot came from is uncertain.]

"When the heat on Kashmir starting hurting, compromises were made without even checking what had already been achieved in the past by politicians, though discarded by Musharraf and his jackboots." Shaheen Sehbai; Pak Editor Takes Musharraf to Task; Kashmir Telegraph (India); Feb 2004.

"Michael (Kelly) died for two things he believed in: Journalism and ridding the world of jackboots." Maureen Dowd; The Best Possible Life; The New York Times; Apr 6, 2003.

This week's theme: descriptive words to apply to people.

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