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Examples

  • I took as an offering to the hope and heir of the Talbots a toy much like what we in England call Jack-in-a-box, but in France is termed a _Diable_, as it is intended to represent his Satanic majesty, and alarm the lifter of the lid by popping up a black visage.

    Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 437 Volume 17, New Series, May 15, 1852 Various 1836

  • "My goodness!" exclaimed Jack-in-a-box, jumping up with a spring,

    Sandman's Goodnight Stories Abbie Phillips Walker

  • At the first crack they all jumped like Jack-in-a-box when you touch his spring.

    Types of Children's Literature Walter Barnes

  • But now I find its advantage, for nobody believes it is my own, but confidently expects that Ann Tubbs or Susan Bucket will appear from a long suppression, like a Jack-in-a-box, and startle the public as she throws back the cover.

    The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 28, February, 1860 Various

  • Jack-in-a-box that jumps in one's face when a spring is touched.

    The French Immortals Series — Complete Various

  • Jack-in-a-box quivered on his spring with anger because French Doll told him he had no legs and he better keep quiet, while Miss Calico

    Sandman's Goodnight Stories Abbie Phillips Walker

  • At the first crack they all jumped like Jack-in-a-box when you touch his spring.

    Wood Folk at School William Joseph Long 1909

  • I was following his track, trying to learn the Indian trick of sign-trailing, when he shot up in front of me like Jack-in-a-box, and was gone before I knew what it meant.

    Secret of the Woods William Joseph Long 1909

  • In front of the Jack-in-a-box stood a tiny red flower-pot and saucer, in which was a miniature cactus.

    The Brownies and Other Tales 1871

  • 'All whom it may concern, take notice,' shouted the Jack-in-a-box, at this point, 'that the rule of this honourable court is tit for tat.'

    The Brownies and Other Tales 1871

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