(jûrk) v.t.
1. To give a sharp, sudden pull, tug, or twist to.
2. To throw or move with a sharp, suddenly arrested motion.
3. To utter in broken or abrupt manner.
—v.i.
4. To give a jerk or jerks.
5. To move with sharp, sudden motions; twitch.
—noun
1. A short, sharp pull, twitch, or fling.
2. Physiol. An involuntary contraction of some muscle, due to the reflex action of nerves; specifically, an involuntary muscular spasm or twitching caused by religious excitement.
3. Slang A railroad local branch line.
4. Slang A stupid or unsophisticated person. [Prob. imit.]
—jerk′y adjective
—jerk′i·ly adverb
—jerk′i·ness noun

(jûrk) v.t.
To cure (meat) by cutting into strips and drying.
—noun Jerky². [Alter. of Sp. charquear <charqui. See CHARQUI.]