jib¹ (jĭb)
n.

1. Nautical. A triangular sail stretching from the foretopmast head to the jib boom and in small craft to the bowsprit or the bow.
2. 1. The arm of a mechanical crane.
   2. The boom of a derrick.

[Origin unknown.]

jib² (jĭb)
intr.v., jibbed, jib·bing, jibs.
To stop short and turn restively from side to side; balk.

[Origin unknown.]

jibber jib'ber n.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---