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.