intransitive. To pull or jerk something sharply or forcibly; to give a sudden sharp pull or tug at something. Also figurative.

intransitive. To pull sharply or forcibly, to tug (at something). Also: to make a sudden movement in order to grasp something; to snatch at.

intransitive. To pluck, twitch at. Obsolete. rare.

intransitive. To pull or jerk vigorously; figurative to be vigorously active. Usually const. at.

intransitive. Of an animal or bird (originally a hawk): to pluck or tear at food; to feed upon by snatches.