'By the job' definitions:

Definition of 'By the job'

From: GCIDE
  • Job \Job\ (j[o^]b), n. [Prov. E. job, gob, n., a small piece of wood, v., to stab, strike; cf. E. gob, gobbet; perh. influenced by E. chop to cut off, to mince. See Gob.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. A sudden thrust or stab; a jab. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A piece of chance or occasional work; any definite work undertaken in gross for a fixed price; as, he did the job for a thousand dollars. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A public transaction done for private profit; something performed ostensibly as a part of official duty, but really for private gain; a corrupt official business. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Any affair or event which affects one, whether fortunately or unfortunately. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A situation or opportunity of work; as, he lost his job. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A task, or the execution of a task; as, Michelangelo did a great job on the David statue. [PJC]
  • 7. (Computers) A task or coordinated set of tasks for a multitasking computer, submitted for processing as a single unit, usually for execution in background. See {job control language}. [PJC]
  • Note: Job is used adjectively to signify doing jobs, used for jobs, or let on hire to do jobs; as, job printer; job master; job horse; job wagon, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • By the job, at a stipulated sum for the work, or for each piece of work done; -- distinguished from time work; as, the house was built by the job.
  • Job lot, a quantity of goods, usually miscellaneous, sold out of the regular course of trade, at a certain price for the whole; as, these articles were included in a job lot.
  • Job master, one who lest out horses and carriages for hire, as for family use. [Eng.]
  • Job printer, one who does miscellaneous printing, esp. circulars, cards, billheads, etc.
  • Odd job, miscellaneous work of a petty kind; occasional work, of various kinds, or for various people.
  • to do a job on, to harm badly or destroy. [slang]
  • on the job, alert; performing a responsibility well. [slang] [1913 Webster +PJC]