Category:Quirk

Quirk, n. [written also querk.] Etym: [cf w. chwiori to turn briskly, Or e. queer.]

1. A sudden turn; a starting from the point or line; hence, an artful Evasion or subterfuge; a shift; a quibble; as, the quirks of a Pettifogger. "some quirk or . . . evasion." Spenser. We ground the justification of our nonconformity on dark subtilties And intricate quirks. Barrow.

2. A fit or turn; a short paroxysm; a caprice. [obs.] "quirks of joy And grief." Shak.

3. A smart retort; a quibble; a shallow conceit. Some odd quirks and remnants of wit. Shak.

4. An irregular air; as, light quirks of music. Pope.

5. (building)

Defn: a piece of ground taken out of any regular ground plot or Floor, so as to make a court, yard, etc.; -- sometimes written quink. Gwilt.

6. (arch.)

Defn: a small channel, deeply recessed in proportion to its width, Used to insulate and give relief to a convex rounded molding. Quirk Molding, a bead between two quirks.