Jerk

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake, or similar motion. His jade gave him a jerk. B. Jonson.

2. A sudden start or spring. Lobsters . . . swim backwards by jerks or springs. Grew.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To cut into long slices or strips and dry in the sun; as, jerk beef. See Charqui.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To beat; to strike. [Obs.] Florio.

2. To give a quick and suddenly arrested thrust, push, pull, or twist, to; to yerk; as, to jerk one with the elbow; to jerk a coat off.

3. To throw with a quick and suddenly arrested motion of the hand; as, to jerk a stone.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To make a sudden motion; to move with a start, or by starts. Milton.

2. To flout with contempt.