1. one of the thin wooden or plastic sticks used in the children’s game of pick-up sticks
2. a thin or weak person
Usage: informal
3. a scarecrow or straw figure
Usage: archaic

Examples

• The children scattered the jackstraws on the floor and began their game.
• She carefully picked up one jackstraw without moving the others.
• The game of jackstraws requires steady hands and patience.
• He was tall and thin like a jackstraw.
• The old jackstraw in the field frightened away the crows.
• Pick-up sticks is also known as jackstraws in some regions.