JERK

v. n.

8 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

1.
v.

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

2.
v.

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

3.
v.

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.

4.
v.

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

5.
v.

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

6.
v.

To flout with contempt.

7.
n.

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

8.
n.

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

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