insignificant and out-of-the-way. An early
American term for a small train on a
branch railway; also a small township of little consequence, something of trifling
importance. In such out of the way situations, water was "jerked" (i.e., drawn) by the bucketful into
steam trains in need of replenishing their
supply.
—Increasing Efficiency Glossary. Final approval 18/11/89