twɪtʃ v. & n. --v. 1 intr. (of
the features, muscles, limbs, etc.)
move or
contract spasmodically. 2 tr.
give a
short sharp pull at. --n. 1 a
sudden involuntary contraction or
movement. 2 a sudden pull or jerk. 3 colloq. a
state of nervousness. 4 a
noose and stick
for controlling a
horse during a
veterinary operation. øøtwitchy adj. (twitchier, twitchiest) (in
sense 3 of n.). [ME f. Gmc:
cf. OE twiccian,
dial. twick]