- lick
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—licker, n./lik/, v.t.1. to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often fol. by up, off, from, etc.): to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone.2. to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue: to lick a spoon clean.3. (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over: The flame licked the dry timber.4. Informal.a. to hit or beat, esp. as a punishment; thrash; whip.b. to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest.c. to outdo or surpass.v.i.5. to move quickly or lightly.7. lick into shape, Informal. to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc.: They needed another rehearsal to lick the production into shape.11. lick up, to lap up; devour greedily.n.12. a stroke of the tongue over something.13. as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue.14. See salt lick.15. Informal.a. a blow.b. a brief, brisk burst of activity or energy.c. a quick pace or clip; speed.d. a small amount: I haven't done a lick of work all week.16. Usually, licks. a critical or complaining remark.17. Usually, licks. Jazz Slang. a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising.18. last licks, a final turn or opportunity: We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended.19. lick and a promise, a hasty and perfunctory performance in doing something: I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I gave the room a lick and a promise.[bef. 1000; ME; OE liccian, c. OS liccon, OHG leckon; akin to Go bilaigon, L lingere, Gk leíchein to lick (up)]Syn. 15a. thwack, thump, rap, slap, cuff, buffet.
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Universalium. 2010.
