Obs. or dial. [OE. cearcian to creak; found also in ME. as cherk, CHIRK: cf. merk, mark, etc.]
1. To make a grating noise with the teeth. (Sc.)
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gram., xxvi. § 5 (Z.), 157. Strideo oððe strido, ic cearciʓe oððe gristbitiʓe. [Somner has also cearciende téþ, stridentes dentes.]
1825. Jamieson, To chark as the teeth do [In South of Scotl. pronounced chairk].
† 2. To creak, as a wheel on its axle, a door on its hinges. Obs.
1388. Wyclif, Amos ii. 13. Lo! Y shal charke vndur ȝou, as a wayn chargid with hei charkith.
1393. Gower, Conf., II. 102. There is no dore, which may charke.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 70/1. Charkyn as a carte or barow or oþyr thynge lyke, arguo, VG. alii dicunt stridere.
3. To complain continuously, be querulous. Sc.
1825. in Jamieson.
