[f. JERK v.1 + -ING1.] The action of JERK v.1, q.v.
1552. Harl. MS. 353 lf. 121. She sayd … that the kinge shewed himself an unnaturall nephew, and withall did wishe that she had had the ierkinge of him.
1641. Wilkins, Math. Magick, II. iv. (1648), 78. The jerking of a Switch like the letter Q.
1820. Scott, Abbot, xix. My lady’s favour stood between your skin and many a jerking.
1851. Illustr. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 248. The breaks are successively brought into action … so as to avoid the danger of sudden jerking.
1875. H. C. Wood, Therap. (1879), 519. Children with … nervous symptoms, such as starting, jerkings, etc.
