v. Obs. Also 8 flirk. [Onomatopœic; cf. flick, flirt, jerk.] intr. To make a jerking movement. Hence Flerk sb., a jerk. Flerking ppl. a., jerking, twitching.

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1606.  Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. iv. Tropheis, 348.

          With sudden flerk the fatall hemp lets goe
The humming Flint, which with a deadly blow
Pierc’t instantly the Pagans ghastly Front,
As deep as Pistol-shot in boord is wont.

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c. 1620.  Z. Boyd, Zion’s Flowers (1855), 134.

        With sudden flerk the hempe I’le nowe let goe,
The humming flint him gives a deadly blo.

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1710.  Lond. Gaz., No. 4768/4. Stolen … Cart Mare … Saddle Backed, and a flirking Tail.

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