Australian bush term for a young man working on sheep or cattle stations ("ranches" to our North American friends). Jackarooing is an old Aussie rite of passage for many young men of wealth and privilege, as well as the salt of the earth country folk who maintain the agricultural traditions of Australia. If a jackaroo were to stay on the land, his career path would lead to management or ownership of a station.

The female equivalent is jillaroo

Jack`a*roo" (?), n. Also Jack`e*roo". [Jack + kangaroo.]

A young man living as an apprentice on a sheep station, or otherwise engaged in acquainting himself with colonial life.

[Colloq., Australia]

 

© Webster 1913.

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Jack`a*roo", v. i. To be a jackaroo; to pass one's time as a jackaroo.

[Colloq., Australia]

 

© Webster 1913.