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Definition of "family jewels" [family jewels]

  • Jealously guarded assets or secrets. (noun-plural)
  • Slang The male genitals. (noun-plural)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "family jewels" in a sentence
  • "They took – at least Mr. Vermilye did – all the property of Lord Luxmore's that he could lay his hands upon – family jewels and money to a considerable amount."
  • "Mr. Camperdown's first attempt was made by a most courteous and even complimentary note, in which he suggested to Lady Eustace that it would be for the advantage of all parties that the family jewels should be kept together."