Jerk (?), v. t. [Corrupted from Peruv. charqui dried beef.]

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

 

© Webster 1913.


Jerk, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Jerked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Jerking.] [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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Jerk, v. i.

1.

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

Milton.

2.

To flout with contempt.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.