yerk

American  

[yurk] / yɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to strike or whip.

2. to stir up; arouse; excite.

3. to jerk.

4. to move (a part of one's body) with a jerk.

5. to pull (stitches) tight or bind tightly.

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verb (used without object)

1. to kick.

2. to rise suddenly.

3. to enter into something eagerly.

noun

1. a kick or jerk.

2. a thud or blow, as from a stick.

Etymology

Origin of yerk

1400–50; late Middle English < ?

Example Sentences

Mr Yerk, I shall be happy to see you and your boat's crew at supper, or rather to a late dinner, at eight o'clock; but come down a moment as you are.

From Tom Cringle's Log by Scott, Michael

When we got on deck,—"Hail the Wave to close, Mr Yerk," said Transom.

From Tom Cringle's Log by Scott, Michael

To Yerk out behind is the next Lesson, thus learnt: Presently upon your making him stop, give him a good brisk jerk near his Flank, which will make him soon understand you.

From The School of Recreation (1684 edition) Or, The Gentlemans Tutor, to those Most Ingenious Exercises of Hunting, Racing, Hawking, Riding, Cock-fighting, Fowling, Fishing by Howlett, Robert

But Whiffle never could acquit Yerk of having been, directly or indirectly, the cause of his suffering from the impure shower.

From Tom Cringle's Log by Scott, Michael

To Yerk out behind is the next Lesson, thus learnt, Presently upon your making him stop give him a good brisk jerk near his Flank, which will make him soon understand you.

From The School of Recreation (1696 edition) Or a Guide to the Most Ingenious Exercises of Hunting, Riding, Racing, Fireworks, Military Discipline, The Science of Defence by Howlett, Robert