lick
lick
(lĭk) verb
licked,
licking, licks
verb
, transitive
1.
To pass the tongue over or along: lick a stamp.
2.
To lap up.
3.
To lap or flicker at like a tongue: The waves licked the sides of the boat.
4.
Slang. To punish with a beating; thrash.
5. Slang. To get the better of; defeat: licked her weight problem.
verb
, intransitive
To pass or lap quickly and rapidly: The flames licked at our feet.
noun
1.
The act or process of licking.
2.
A small quantity; a bit: hasn't got a lick of common sense.
3.
A deposit of exposed natural salt that is licked by passing animals.
4.
A sudden hard stroke; a blow.
5.
Informal. Speed; pace: moving along at a good lick.
6. Music. A phrase improvised by a soloist, especially on the guitar or banjo.
idiom.
lick and a promise
A superficial effort made without care or enthusiasm.
lick into shape Informal
To bring into satisfactory condition or appearance.
lick (one's) chops
To anticipate delightedly.
lick (one's) wounds
To recuperate after a defeat.
[Middle English licken, from Old English liccian.]
lick
ʹer noun