I. ˈpərk, ˈpə̄k, ˈpəik verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English perken, perhaps from Old North French perquer to perch, from perque perch, from Latin pertica pole — more at perch
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold, self-assertive, or insolent manner
a file of geese perking down the roadway — Ellen Glasgow
b. : to stick up or out jauntily
a … sand-colored handkerchief with monogram in brown perked from his breast pocket — Adria Langley
2. : to wear or assume an air of superiority or condescension : become presumptuous : exalt oneself
perking over her neighbors
3. : to gain or assume an appearance of vigor, animation, or cheerfulness especially after a period of weakness or depression — usually used with up
had perked up considerably … the morale had plainly stiffened — P.G.Wodehouse
transitive verb
1. : to make smart, trim, or spruce in appearance : make brisk or acute : freshen
perk the taste and lift the spirit — Irving Kolodin
— often used with up
perk up their jaded zest in life — Dorothy C. Fisher
denims are perked up with … embroidery — Woman's Wear Daily
a giveaway … helps perk up sales — Sales Management
2. : to lift or thrust quickly, assertively, or impudently
perks his tail up and challenges the world — Richard Jefferies
II. adjective
Etymology: probably from perk (I)
: proud or jaunty in bearing : self-confident , brisk
perk as a peacock
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English perke, from Old North French perque — more at perk I
dialect : perch
IV. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: perch
V. noun
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening & alteration
chiefly Britain : perquisite — usually used in plural
as pay and perks go, it's a good job — Ian Scott
VI. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: by shortening & alteration
: percolate
smelled and heard the coffee perking — Vance Packard