DCHP-1 Online
jerkline † West 
n. See 1960 quote.
- 1950 Such a system gave rise to the driver being known as a "jerk-line driver."
- 1953 Mule teams . . . hooked in a tandem arrangement . . . six to eight span in a team . . . were controlled by a jerk-line. . . .
- 1960 Sometimes there were so many horses or mules hitched to a freight wagon that the use of reins was impractical. Under these circumstances a "jerk-line" was used. This was a single line connected to the bridles of the lead horses. The teamsters then 'telegraphed' directions to the trained leaders, who would turn left or right according to the number of jerks on the line.
- 1950 Such a system gave rise to the driver being known as a "jerk-line driver."