— twitcher , n. — twitchingly , adv.
/twich/ , v.t.
1. to tug or pull at with a quick, short movement; pluck: She twitched him by the sleeve.
2. to jerk rapidly: The rider twitched the reins a couple of times.
3. to move (a part of the body) with a sudden, jerking motion.
4. to pinch or pull at sharply and painfully; give a smarting pinch to; nip.
v.i.
5. to move spasmodically or convulsively; jerk; jump.
6. to give a sharp, sudden pull; tug; pluck (usually fol. by at ): He constantly twitched at his collar.
7. to ache or hurt with a sharp, shooting pain; twinge: That back tooth twitches a bit.
n.
8. a quick, jerky movement of the body or of some part of it.
9. involuntary, spasmodic movement of a muscle; tic: He gets a twitch in his left eye when he's nervous.
10. a short, sudden pull or tug; jerk.
11. a bodily or mental twinge, as of pain, conscience, etc.; pang.
12. a loop or noose placed over the muzzle of a horse and tightened by twisting a stick or handle to which it is attached, used as a restraining device during a painful operation.
[ 1125-75; ME twicchen (v.); akin to OE twiccian to pluck; c. G zwicken to pinch ]