rick

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a stack of hay, straw, or similar material stored outdoors, often under thatch

   A spark from the lantern set the dry rick alight.

2. 2
   verb

   to pile hay, straw, or another material into ricks

   The farmhands ricked the hay before the weather changed.

3. 3
   noun

   a sudden painful stiffness or spasm, especially in the neck or back; chiefly British

   She woke with a rick in her neck after sleeping in the chair.

4. 4
   verb

   to wrench or sprain a joint or muscle; chiefly British

   He ricked his ankle stepping off the curb.

The stack noun comes from Middle English reke and Old English hreac, 'rick or heap'; the stacking verb developed from it. The injury verb is separate, probably related to Middle English wrikken, 'to move or twist unsteadily.' The noun for a painful stiffness arose from that injury sense.

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