Jury-Rig
/ˈdʒʊəri rɪɡ/noun
A makeshift repair or temporary solution improvised from whatever materials are available.
Did you know?The first part of the phrase is probably not the legal word “jury” at all, but a nautical corruption of older sail terms like “jury mast,” proving language can be rebuilt like a broken ship.
Etymological Timeline
Early 17th Century
English
jury mast
“A temporary mast set up after the original was lost or damaged.”
Early 17th Century
English
jury rig
“A temporary, improvised rigging or sailing setup.”
19th Century
English
jury-rig
“To fit out or repair something in a makeshift way, especially in a hurry.”
Modern English
English
jury-rig
“A makeshift repair or improvised solution using whatever is available.”