OT: jerry and jury

["Patricia M. Godfrey" priscamg@xxxxxxxx]

Michael Norman wrote:
> how to jerry-rig or jury-build (which is it, Patricia?) this program
Sorry, I checked this in the OED, then forgot to reply. It's
jerry-build or jury-rig, and in this case I think jury-rig is the
more appropriate.
To jerry-build (probably from the given name Jerry) is to build
unsubstantial structures of shoddy materials, usually on
speculation. The classic examples would be the insulae of ancient
Rome or the tenements of the Lower East Side in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries.
To jury-rig is to improvise a part on a ship to replace one that
has broken or carried away. Its soundness would depend on
circumstances, material available, and the skill of the ship's
carpenter, but would always be done as well as possible, as the
ship and her crew's life would depend on it.
--
Patricia M. Godfrey
priscamg@xxxxxxxx