I. ˈkwərk, -wə̄k, -wəik noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. : a triangular shaped area: as
a.
(1) dialect England : a hosiery clock
(2) : a small gusset set in at the base of a thumb or the fingers of a glove
b. : a diamond-shaped windowpane
2. : an abrupt turn, twist, or curve or other deviation from a regular course or pattern : bend , crook : as
a.
(1) : a turn of a pen in writing : flourish
(2) obsolete : a sudden whimsical turn or phrase in music
b.
(1) : a clever retort : conceit , quip
(2) : a clever or cunning evasion : subterfuge , quibble
c. : a peculiarity of action, behavior, or bearing : mannerism
3. obsolete : a sudden fit : short paroxysm
4.
a. : a small channel or groove separating a bead or other molding from the adjoining members — see quirk molding
b. : the bead or fillet of a grooving plane in woodworking
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to subject to quirks or quips
2. : to give a quirk to
holding her skirts with quirked fingers — Rosamond Lehmann
a peculiarly quirked mouth
specifically : to fashion (as molding) with quirks
3. : to strike with a sharp sudden jerk of a whip
the coachman lets fly his whip and quirks his off-wheeler on the thigh — Amy Lowell
intransitive verb
: to make or exhibit a quirk
Annie's mouth quirked a little — G.W.Brace
specifically : to speak or act with a quirk of manner