[jerk] n [prob. alter. of yerk] (1575) 1: a single quick motion of short duration
2. a: jolting, bouncing, or thrusting motions b: a tendency to produce spasmodic motions 3 a: an involuntary spasmodic muscular movement due to reflex action b pl: involuntary twitchings due to nervous excitement
4: an annoyingly stupid or foolish person
5: the pushing of a weight from shoulder height to a position overhead in weight lifting
[2]jerk vt (1589) 1: to give a quick suddenly arrested push, pull, or twist to
2: to propel or move with or as if with a quick suddenly arrested motion
3: to mix and serve (as sodas) behind a soda fountain ~ vi 1: to make a sudden spasmodic motion
2: to move in short abrupt motions or with frequent jolts -- jerk.er n [3]jerk vt [back-formation fr. [1]jerky] (1707): to preserve (meat) in long sun-dried slices