The History of Hoick

Etymologists suspect that hoick is an alteration of the verb hike, which is itself akin to hitch. According to the evidence, hike entered the language during the first decade of the 19th century, whereas hoick appeared near that century's close. The word hoick can be used for any type of abrupt pulling movement but is commonly used for the sudden pulling back on the joystick of an airplane; a rough, jerky movement when rowing; and a jerky, elevated shot in cricket. In fox hunting, the word hoicks is used to call attention to a hound that has picked up the scent and to bring the pack together.

Examples of hoick in a Sentence

He hoicked up his trousers and waded in. hoicked up his pants and hastily waded into the water

Recent Examples on the Web Besides hoicking up and holding one's boobs in place, and generally shaping the silhouette, a bra also tends to hide one's nipples (unless it is made from a very sheer or flimsy fabric). — Rosalind Jana, refinery29.com, 14 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hoick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.