[poke] n [ME, fr. ONF--more at pocket] (13c) 1 chiefly Southern & Midland: bag, sack
2. a: wallet b: purse
[2]poke vb poked ; pok.ing [ME; akin to MD poken to poke] vt (14c) 1 a (1): prod, jab "poked him in the ribs" (2): to urge or stir by prodding or jabbing (3): to cause to prod: thrust "poked a stick at the snake" b (1): pierce, stab (2): to produce by piercing, stabbing, or jabbing "~ a hole" c (1): hit, punch "poked him in the nose" (2): to deliver (a blow) with the fist
2. a: to cause to project "poked her head out of the window" b: to make (one's way) by poking "poked his way through the ruins" c: to interpose or interject in a meddlesome manner "asked him not to ~ his nose into other people's business" ~ vi 1 a: to make a prodding, jabbing, or thrusting movement esp. repeatedly b: to strike out at something
2. a: to look about or through something without system: rummage "poking around in the attic" b: meddle
3: to move or act slowly or aimlessly "just poked around and didn't accomplish much"
4: to become stuck out or forward: protrude -- poke fun at : ridicule, mock [3]poke n (ca. 1796) 1 a: a quick thrust: jab b: a blow with the fist: punch
2: a projecting brim on the front of a woman's bonnet [4]poke n [perh. modif. of Virginia Algonquian pocone, poughkone puccoon] (1708): pokeweed