Yerk

(14), v. t. [imp. & p. p. YERKED (yĕrkt); p. pr. & vb. n. YERKING.] [O. Eng. yirk. See JERK.] 1. To throw or thrust with a sudden, smart movement; to kick or strike suddenly; to jerk. While their wounded steeds . . . Yerk out their armed heels at their dead masters. Shak. 2. To strike or lash with a whip. [Obs.]

v. i. [Rare.] 1. To throw out the heels; to kick; to lash; to jerk. They flirt, they yerk, they backward . . . fling. Drayton. 2. To move with a quick, jerking motion.