Category:Jerk

Jerk, v. t. Etym: [Corrupted from Peruv. charqui dried beef.]

Defn: To cut into long slices or strips and dry in the sun; as, jerk beef. See Charqui.

jerk Jerk, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Jerked; p. pr. & vb. n. Jerking.] Etym: [Akin to yerk, and perh. also to yard a measure.]

1. To beat; to strike. [Obs.] Florio.

2. To give a quick and suddenly arrested thrust, push, pull, or twist, to; to yerk; as, to jerk one with the elbow; to jerk a coat off.

3. To throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand; as, to jerk a stone.

jerk Jerk, v. i.

1. To make a sudden motion; to move with a start, or by starts. Milton.

2. To flout with contempt.

jerk Jerk, n.

1. A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake, or similar motion. His jade gave him a jerk. B. Jonson.

2. A sudden start or spring. Lobsters. . . swim backwards by jerks or springs. Grew.