The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Lurch \Lurch\, n. [OF. lourche name of a game; as adj.,
   deceived, embarrassed.]
   1. An old game played with dice and counters; a variety of
      the game of tables.
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   2. A double score in cribbage for the winner when his
      adversary has been left in the lurch.
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            Lady --- has cried her eyes out on losing a lurch.
                                                  --Walpole.
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   To leave one in the lurch.
      (a) In the game of cribbage, to leave one's adversary so
          far behind that the game is won before he has scored
          thirty-one.
      (b) To leave one behind; hence, to abandon, or fail to
          stand by, a person in a difficulty. --Denham.
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                But though thou'rt of a different church,
                I will not leave thee in the lurch. --Hudibras.
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