1. n. & v.
--n. a stagger, a sudden unsteady movement or leaning.
--v.intr. stagger, move suddenly and unsteadily.
Etymology: orig. Naut., lee-lurch alt. of lee-latch drifting to leeward 2. n.Phrases and idioms:
leave in the lurch desert (a friend etc.) in difficulties.
Etymology: orig. a severe defeat in a game, f. F lourche (also the game itself, like backgammon)