from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jerk \Jerk\, n.
[1913 Webster]
1. A short, sudden pull, thrust, push, twitch, jolt, shake,
or similar motion.
[1913 Webster]
His jade gave him a jerk. --B. Jonson.
[1913 Webster]
2. A sudden start or spring.
[1913 Webster]
Lobsters . . . swim backwards by jerks or springs.
--Grew.
[1913 Webster]
3. A foolish, stupid, or otherwise contemptible person.
[Slang]
Syn: jerkoff.
[PJC]
4. (Sport) The lifting of a weight, in a single rapid motion,
from shoulder height until the arms are outstretched above
the head; distinguished from {press} in that the motion in
a jerk is more rapid, and the body may be moved under the
weight to assist completion of the movement; as, a clean
and jerk of two hundred pounds.
[PJC]
2. Calisthenic exercises, such as push-ups or deep knee
bends; also called {physical jerks}. [British]
[PJC]