chuck

views updated May 18 2018

chuck1 / chək/ inf. • v. [tr.] throw (something) carelessly or casually: someone chucked a brick through the window. ∎  throw (something) away: they make a living out of stuff people chuck out. ∎  give up (a job or activity) suddenly: Richard chucked his cultural studies course. ∎  break off a relationship with (a partner).PHRASES: chuck it all in abandon a course of action or way of life, esp. for another that is radically different.DERIVATIVES: chuck·er n.chuck2 • v. [tr.] touch (someone) playfully or gently under the chin.• n. a playful touch under the chin.chuck3 • n. 1. a device for holding a workpiece in a lathe or a tool in a drill, typically having three or four jaws that move radially in and out. 2. a cut of beef that extends from the neck to the ribs, typically used for stewing.chuck4 • n. inf. food or provisions.chuck5 • n. short for woodchuck.

chuck

views updated May 17 2018

chuck 1 (dial.) lump XVII; contrivance for holding work in a lathe XIX. var. of CHOCK. Cf. CHUNK.

chuck

views updated Jun 11 2018

chuck 2 give a playful touch under the chin; throw with the hand XVI.
Also (dial.) chock XVI. perh. — OF. chuquer, earlier form of choquer knock, bump, of unkn. orig.

chuck

views updated May 23 2018

chuck See beef.