Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Quirk
Quirk
(kwẽrk)
, Noun.
[Written also
querk
.] [Cf. W.
chwiori
to turn briskly, or E. queer
.] 1.
A sudden turn; a starting from the point or line; hence, an artful evasion or subterfuge; a shift; a quibble;
“Some quirk or . . . evasion.” as, the
. quirks
of a pettifoggerSpenser.
We ground the justification of our nonconformity on dark subtilties and intricate
quirks
. Barrow.
2.
A fit or turn; a short paroxysm; a caprice.
[Obs.]
“Quirks of joy and grief.” Shak.
3.
A smart retort; a quibble; a shallow conceit.
Some odd
quirks
and remnants of wit. Shakespeare
4.
An irregular air;
as, light
. quirks
of musicPope.
5.
(Building)
A piece of ground taken out of any regular ground plot or floor, so as to make a court, yard, etc.; – sometimes written quink.
Gwilt.
6.
(Arch.)
A small channel, deeply recessed in proportion to its width, used to insulate and give relief to a convex rounded molding.
Quirk molding
, a bead between two quirks.
Webster 1828 Edition
Quirk
QUIRK
,Noun.
1.
Literally, a turn; a starting from the point or line; hence, an artful turn for evasion or subterfuge; a shift; a quibble; as the quirks of a pettifogger.2.
A fit or turn; a short paroxysm; as a quirk of joy or grief.3.
A smart taunt or retort.I may chance to have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me.
4.
A slight conceit or quibble.5.
A flight of fancy. [Not in use.]6.
An irregular air; as light quirks of music.7.
In building, a piece of ground taken out of any regular ground-plot or floor, as to mark a court or yard, &c.