gearcian

From Proto-West Germanic *garwakōn, from Proto-Germanic *garwakōną (“to prepare, supply”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈjæ͜ɑr.ki.ɑn/, [ˈjæ͜ɑrˠ.ki.ɑn]

ġearcian

1. to prepare, supply, make ready
   • c. 992, Ælfric, "The First Sunday in the Lord's Advent"

     Uton forði us ġearcian mid þisum foresædum reafum, be ðæs apostoles mynegunge, þæt we to ðære wundorlican gebyrd-tide ures Drihtnes mid freolslicere ðenunge becumon, þam sy wuldor and lóf á on ecnysse. Amen.

     Let us then prepare ourselves with these before-said garments, according to the apostle's admonition, that we may come to the wonderful birth-tide of our Lord with solemn service, to whom be glory and praise ever to eternity. Amen.

   • c. 992, Ælfric, "The Assumption of St. John the Apostle"

     Ða het se apostol ða bære settan, and cwæð, "Min Drihten, Hælend Crist! Arære ðe, Drusiana; aris, and ġecyrr hām, and ġearca ús gereordunge on þinum hūse." Drusiana þa arás swilce of slæpe awreht, and, carfull be ðæs apostoles hæse, hām gewende.

     Then the apostle bade them set down the bier, and said, "My Lord, Jesus Christ! Raise thee, Drusiana; arise, and return home, and prepare refection for us in thy house." Drusiana then arose as if from sleep awakened, and, mindful of the apostle's command, returned home.

• Middle English: yerken
  • English: yerk, jerk (probably)