lɪk v. & n. --v.tr. & intr. 1 tr. pass
the tongue over,
esp. to
taste,
moisten, or (of animals)
clean. 2 tr.
bring into a specified
condition or
position by
licking (licked it
all up; licked it clean). 3 a tr. (of a
flame, waves, etc.)
touch;
play lightly over. b intr.
move gently or caressingly. 4 colloq. a
defeat,
excel. b
surpass the
comprehension of (has
got me licked). 5 colloq.
thrash. --n. 1 an
act of licking
with the tongue. 2 = salt-lick. 3 colloq. a fast pace (at a lick; at full lick). 4 colloq. a a
small amount,
quick treatment with (foll. by
of: a lick of paint). b a quick
wash. 5 a
smart blow with a stick etc. øa lick
and a
promise colloq. a
hasty performance of a
task, esp. of
washing oneself. lick a person's
boots (or shoes)
toady; be
servile. lick into
shape see SHAPE. lick one's lips (or chops) 1
look forward with
relish. 2
show one's
satisfaction. lick one's wounds be in
retirement after defeat. øølicker n. (also in comb.). [OE liccian f. WG]
