arch. or colloq. [Later form of char, CHARE sb.1, turn, turning: see AJAR1.] In the phrases on (upon) the jar, † on (a) jar, † at jar, on the turn, partly open, AJAR1: cf. CHARE sb.1 2 b.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 7. The fulfilledness or perfection of the will in the next life, will not be in a standing at jar, and wavering alike towards good and evil.
1707. J. Stevens, trans. Quevedo’s Com. Wks. (1709), 45. Finding a Door upon the jar.
1767. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1859), I. 311. The door was on the jar, and, gently opening it, I entered and stood behind her unperceived.
1777. Sheridan, Sch. Scand., II. ii. She never absolutely shuts her mouth, but leaves it always on a-jar, as it were, thus.
1794. Mrs. A. M. Bennett, Ellen, II. 112. She found … the hall door on jar.
1837. Dickens, Pickw., xxxiv. ‘I see Mrs. Bardell’s street door on the jar.’ ‘On the what?’ exclaimed the little judge. ‘Partly open, my Lord,’ said Serjeant Snubbin.
