LURCH, n. [This is the same word radically as lurk. The primary sense is to run, start, leap or frisk about, as a man or beast that flies from one tree or other object to another to conceal himself. Hence we see the peculiar applicability of this word in seamen's language.] In seamen's language, a sudden roll of a ship. A lee-lurch is a sudden roll to the leeward, as when a heavy sea strikes the ship on the weather side.To leave in the lurch, to leave in a difficult situation, or in embarrassment; to leave in a forlorn state or without help.LURCH, v.i. 1. To roll or pass suddenly to one side, as a ship in a heavy sea.2. To withdraw to one side, or to a private place; to lie in ambush or in secret; to lie close. [For this, lurk is now used.]3. To shift; to play tricks.I am fain to shuffle, to hedge and to lurch.LURCH, v.t. 1. To defeat; to disappoint, that is, to evade; as, to lurch the expectation. [Little used.]2. To steal; to filch; to pilfer. [Little used.]LURCH, v.t. [L. lurco, a glutton.] To swallow or eat greedily; to devour. [Not used.]
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