Emily Dickinson Lexicon

QUIRK, n. [quurk; from the root of W. çwired, a sudden start or turn, craft, deceit; çwyrn, a whirl.]

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. – L'Estrange.
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. – Shak.
4. A slight conceit or quibble. – Watts.
5. A flight of fancy. [Not in use.] – Shak.
6. An irregular air; as, light quirks of music. – Pope.
7. In building, a piece of ground taken out of any regular ground-plot or floor, as to make a court or yard, &c. – Encyc.