English Dictionary

Definition of “jilt

jilt (dʒɪltPronunciation for jilt

Definitions

verb

  1. (tr) to leave or reject (a lover), esp without previous warning  ⇒ she was jilted at the altar 

noun

  1. a woman who jilts a lover

Alternative Forms

ˈjilter noun

Word Origin

C17: from dialect jillet  flighty girl, diminutive of proper name Gill

Quotations

  • "Say what you will, 'tis better to be left than never to have been loved" William Congreve

Usage examples

  • Should Saunders now jilt French and hook up with Patsy permanently?
    Glasgow Herald (2002)
  • Tarleton instantly accepted the bet: he would not only win her from Malden, but also jilt her.
    Paula Byrne, PERDITA: The Life of Mary Robinson (2004)

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