lick
(lĭk)
[Middle English licken, from Old English liccian.]
verb: licked, lick·ing, licks.
transitive verb
- To pass the tongue over or along: lick a stamp.
- To lap up.
- To lap or flicker at like a tongue: The waves licked the sides of the boat.
- Slang To punish with a beating; thrash.
- Slang To get the better of; defeat: licked her weight problem.
intransitive verb
- To pass or lap quickly and rapidly: The flames licked at our feet.
noun
- The act or process of licking.
- An amount obtained by licking: a lick of ice cream.
- A small quantity; a bit: hasn't got a lick of common sense.
- A deposit of exposed natural salt that is licked by passing animals.
- A sudden hard stroke; a blow.
- An attempt; a try.
- Informal Speed; pace: moving along at a good lick.
- Music A phrase improvised by a soloist, especially on the guitar or banjo.
idioms
- lick and a promise
- A superficial effort made without care or enthusiasm.
- lick into shape
- To bring into satisfactory condition or appearance.
- lick (one's) chops
- To anticipate delightedly.
- lick (one's) wounds
- To recuperate after a defeat.
- lick (someone's) boots
- To behave in a servile or obsequious manner toward someone.
derivatives
- licḱer
- noun
