■ verb
1》 make or cause to make a short, sudden jerking movement.
2》 use a ~ to subdue (a horse).
■ noun
1》 a ~ing movement.
2》 a pang: he felt a ~ of annoyance.
3》 a small noose attached to a stick, which may be twisted around the upper lip or ear of a horse to subdue it during veterinary procedures.
Origin
ME: of Gmc origin; related to OE twiccian 'to pluck, pull sharply'.